A theatrical legacy for us to treasure; VOICE OF THE NORTH.

WHEN I saw the article in your Culture section (The Journal, April 30), I was saddened to read of the demise of the Gosforth Theatre Company.

I was a member of what was then known as The 43 Dramatic Club from the early 1960s.

I remember that all those who were part of the club then were keen, hard working and dedicated to making sure productions were of the highest quality. I enjoyed the many years I was associated with them. We had a faithful following ensuring full house at all our plays.

I first became involved in acting when my parents enrolled me in the Pentland Robson School of Dramatic Art, which was held in the Claremont Building in Newcastle. Under the tutelage of the principle Nick Robson, we were put through our paces in all aspects of the art.

We used to put on our productions at the People's Theatre, which was then in Rye Hill, and later at the Little Theatre in Gateshead. I stayed with them throughout my teens until I was called up to the RAF, after which I joined a club in my home town of Birtley and was also a member of the Chester-le-Street Dramatic Society.

When I married, we came to live in Kenton so naturally I looked to join a group closer to our new home; fortunately, I found and was accepted into the 43. I stayed with them until our family started to come along when I began to feel that with three productions a year, plus all it entails, was encroaching too much on my family life, so I decided to call it a day.

I am sorry that they are no more, but I hope the legacy they have left will be of benefit to others. I shall always remember the 43 with affection.

E SCHOLES, Kenton, Newcastle