The Story of FMS
1983 – Let's start at the very beginning...
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The founder of FMS, Betty Richards, was for many years a performer with the South Downe Musical Society, which had roots in the Fareham area, but was performing at The Kings Theatre in Southsea. Betty had a dream, supported by her late husband Vic, that Fareham might one day have its own company performing in the town at the brand-new Ferneham Hall, which had opened in 1982.
Thanks to the encouragement and invaluable help of friends Sharon Shilton and Trevor Wyatt of the Solent Theatre Club, the first steps were taken with the placing of an advert in the local paper. Sharon then wrote to those who had expressed an interest, issuing an invitation to the first meeting of what was to become FMS. This was held at Titchfield Village Hall on 19 May 1983. Amongst those attending was Diane Carpenter with her son Matthew. Diane is the only founder member still taking part in the Society's productions.
