Julia Igglesden
It's with great sadness that we report the sad passing of our dear friend Julia Igglesden on the 22nd April, 2007. For anyone involved in the panto over the last few years it will be difficult to imagine the panto without her as although she worked feverishly as the committee chair, she also threw herself into all areas of the panto, making sure that she welcomed every member into the 'family'.
Not only did Julia keep everything together... especially during some very difficult times for the panto... she always made time to listen to everybody and made sure that everyone, young or old... new or veteran, were treated well and enjoyed the experience. She was always seen helping out at every performance, manning stalls and bars, chaperoning and sewing costumes, and always managed to keep everything running smoothly. What many members might not have known is just how much work Julia did behind the scenes!
Putting on a production like the panto takes a great deal of hard work behind the
scenes... all year round. Julia always kept the interests of the panto active and
was always canvassing new talent, directors, choreographers et al, for well into
the future. She represented the panto's interests with the Village Hall's committee,
and was constantly seeking new advertising and money-
Julia took on the role of chairperson not quite expecting all the hard work that lay ahead. Undaunted, she continued to work hard to make sure that the panto kept going and not falling flat on its face. Not only that, she had a mission to make each successive panto bigger, better and more professional each year. And although at times it might have seemed impossible, she managed it... even saving money at the same time! And like the Duracell bunny... she just kept going, with enthusiasm and energy.
Unfortunately, and what many people did not know, is that during last year's production, Julia had been unwell. Although during the run itself her health seemed to improve, she took a turn for the worse and was diagnosed with cancer. Despite treatment it continued to spread into her bones and up her spine, and finally her stomach. Although she was in pain, she didn't want it to affect the 2007 production of 'Sinbad' and many of the members were probably not even aware. Amazingly, despite spending time in hospital undergoing treatment she was still thinking of the panto, planning next year's birthday production ('Red Riding Hood') and deciding on director, music, choreography, advertising etc. She was also busy planning 60th birthday activities, like the upcoming balloon race on Woldingham day, as well as running the committee and making sure that the AGM went ahead without a hitch. It was with great sadness then that she passed away just a few days short of the AGM.
We offer our thoughts and prayers to her family and especially to her partner Martin who not only looked after her throughout her suffering, but was always there actively supporting her in the panto: manning the bar, cutting and stapling tickets, modelling costumes, etc. He was a great strength to her, and we offer him our support now in this difficult time. Julia was a wonderful friend and champion of the panto, we all miss her dearly.
and from The Woldingham Magazine (June 2007)...
Julia Igglesden (1944 -
Julia firstly became involved in Woldingham village life for the Millennium celebrations. Her enthusiasm for success was tremendous. She was a great leader by example and instigated the same enthusiasm in other people.
She became involved with the Woldingham Pantomime in 2001 initially saying she would be willing to help in any way. She had such contagious enthusiasm and was immediately stocking and running the sweetie stall (a great salesperson), organising the printing of the programmes, and even frantically sewing costumes, which involved burning the midnight oil, as one could see from the lights of her flat.
She later became involved with the Management of the Village Hall, becoming a Trustee and a member of the Executive Committee.
How greatly we in Woldingham will miss her.