Their first public performance was a concert in aid of the N.S.P.C.C. on the 2nd October 1954, and the first musical show, "Me and My Girl," followed two years later.
The front cover of the programme for the first concert by the Forge Singers on the 2nd October 1954
So began the Singers' long run entertaining Edenbridge audiences over the years with musical comedies, revues and pantomimes.
Village groups and local societies have also been entertained and there have been combined shows with the Edenbridge Players.
On the 13th February, 1974 the National Operatic and Dramatic Association celebrated their 75th anniversary with a reception at St. James's Palace, London at which the Queen Mother was present. The Forge Singers were represented by Evelyn and Derek Gower who had the honour of meeting and exchanging a few words with the Queen Mother. Later that evening Evelyn and Derek were present at the Baronial Hall, Mincing Lane for an entertainment provided by the London section of N.O.D.A.
In 1980 the first show was performed in our French Twin Town of Mont Saint Aignan in Normandy when everything, including costumes, scenery and backcloths, were transported across the Channel. Several more visits have been made since.
As a member of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association the society presents NODA service awards to members.
Copyright 2006; 2007; 2008 Forge Singers
Some of the 'Ladies of the Chorus' enjoying themselves on the Newhaven/Dieppe ferry
en route to Mont St.Aignan for the first show in March 1980
(Left to Right: Jan Tolfree, Brenda Hewitt (back),Brenda Saunders,
Marjorie Whitfield, Janet Slack, Eileen Field and Margaret Brown)...................................................