We have some sad news to announce.  Moreen Spence, forever associated with the Petuaria Players and forever known to us all as simply ‘Mo’, passed away peacefully on the 28th December at the age of 89. 

Mo can be considered a founder member because she joined a very newly created drama society in Brough in its very first year in 1961, so beginning a relationship with The Petuaria Players that has lasted almost 63 years.

Mo started at the age of 26 with numerous backstage roles before succumbing to the draw of acting in and, eventually, directing plays. 

After thirty four years of involvement in countless productions she put down her scripts and ‘retired’ from the stage though her duties were not over.

Mo was invited to become Honorary President, a role which she held for 25 years before retiring once again in 2019. 

Mo’s quietly spoken and gentle demeanour, her smile and wonderfully written and delivered reviews of our productions as President, along with her wry sense of humour will stand out for many of us – the current crop of actors – who never had the privilege of seeing her perform.  Our exception, of course, is long serving Richard, still at the helm as Chairman and Producer and we will share his memories next time.

So in our next post we hope to tell you a little more about Mo and show some of our archive photos but for now we simply pass our condolences and our love to Nicci and Paul and their families. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday 25th January at 12.30pm at St. Mary’s Church, Elloughton.

For anyone wishing to make a donation, a collection for All Saints Church, Brough and Westfield Park Care Home will be available at the service.