ONE of Bolton's longest established theatre groups is almost certain to disband due to a lack of support.

Our Lady of Lourdes Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society will hold a special general meeting on December 4 in a last ditch attempt to save the group.

The meeting, at the parish hall on Plodder Lane, Farnworth, at8.30pm, is open to all members of the public.

But unless an eleventh hour solution can be found to boost numbers, the society will be forced to fold.

Our Lady of Lourdes began as a theatre group 48 years ago and staged many of the most famous and lavish of musicals during that time, as well as comedy and straight plays. But in the past two years the number of productions staged have dwindled down to just one pantomime a year.

Chairman of the group, Mr William Southern explained: "We have seen a thriving society fade away to nothing.

"We have been struggling for a while. There is not the demand, or the numbers taking part or attending the shows, so it seems pointless trying to carry on.

"The group has been going for 48 years and I have been a member for more than 20 of those.

"We have not been helped by a fading involvement from the church who used to give us more support. I think our audience numbers have fallen because older people do not like going out at night like they used to.

"There is also too much media competition and it just seems that perhaps the society has sadly run its course.

"We had intended to stage the pantomime Sleeping Beauty in January but a lack of interest left us with the same few running about trying to do everything.

"I feel very disappointed because the group has over the years been very much a part of my life."

However, Mr Southern did add that "any bright ideas" to save the club would be welcome at the meeting.

SUCCESS: Our pictures show some of the group's past shows during more successful times which have included The King and I

HAPPIER TIMES: The comedy Friends and Neighbours