Credit: Stephanie Billen
Photo: Ian Bowns, Jeanette Hamilton, Stephen Walker (with his inscribed tankard leaving present) and Fringe secretary Carole Garner
Change was in the air at this year’s Buxton Fringe AGM, held at the Green Man Gallery, as Stephen Walker stepped down after five years as Fringe chair.
His successor was announced as Ian Bowns, an experienced Fringe trustee who has been acting as entries co-ordinator.
Mr Walker gave a heartfelt speech in which he echoed his predecessor, the late Keith Savage, describing being Fringe chair as one of the honours of his life.
He reflected on the challenges of the last few years, from Covid-19 lockdowns to losing established venues such as the Rotunda and, at the end of this December, the Green Man Gallery.
Organisers said 2024’s busy Fringe proved a big success and managed venue Underground found a temporary new home in Spring Gardens with support from High Peak Borough Council.
Mr Walker added that with his soft spot for theatre, he was thrilled with “one of the best theatre programmes I’ve experienced here”.
Vice chair Jeanette Hamilton praised him for his wise guidance and leadership even at difficult times.
Ian Bowns, a retired public health consultant, chair of Transition Buxton and respected amateur folk performer, said he was “secretly delighted” to have been voted in as chair by Fringe trustees.
He looked forward to working with the Fringe team as well others in the town.
“There is no better group of people than we’ve got in Buxton,” he said.
Caroline Small from the Green Man was thanked for her tireless work as a venue manager and took the opportunity to praise the Fringe’s orange team.
“You’ve been the most wonderful team of people to work with,” she said.
The AGM also provided an opportunity to present Fringe Treasurer Sandra Jowett’s report showing a small surplus this year.
Mr Walker commented: “While we must remain watchful, we have reached a point of financial stability that I’d hoped to reach by the end of my term as chair.”
Fringe bosses said they had been able to keep entry fees the same for the third year running,
thanks to careful management as well as the support of the Fringe Friends and High Peak Borough Council.
Buxton Fringe 2025 opens for entries on 1st December.
Participants enter online and details can be found at www.buxtonfringe.org.uk.
Next year’s Fringe runs from 9th to 27th July.
