Rebecca sings Doorstep Carols at Winchester Cathedral

Doorstep Carols is a nationwide event with cathedral choirs and professional singers leading the nation in song. The initiative works with BBC local radio stations, streaming to schools, hospital wards, care-homes, and communities around the country with the aim of warding off isolation at Christmas.

In support of this year’s national event, Sir Tim Rice said: "I hope that the singing en masse will remind us all that music, especially vocals, can bring everyone together whether in unison or harmony. We must not let recent troubles make us fearful of using our voices".

Blue Apple’s Engagement Coordinator Rebecca Godden took time out of her busy schedule to add her voice to the Doorstep Carols on Wednesday 15 December, saying: “What a pleasure it was to sing festive tunes in the beautiful backdrop of Winchester Cathedral and bring people together once again through song and joy in Doorstep Carols.”

Rebecca has arranged for the Blue Apple Singers to perform outside at Pavilion on the Park’s Christmas Lantern Trail in Eastleigh this Sunday 19 December 4-7pm. We hope you will come and enjoy their singing. See more details here.

Blue Apple team member recognised by HRH The Duchess of Cambridge

Blue Apple’s Development Lead Daisy Robinson was invited to attend the Royal Carol Service held on Wednesday 8th December by HRH The Duchess of Cambridge. This was to recognise her charity work during the pandemic for Eastleigh Youth & Community Trust. Daisy set up a lunch club on wheels service for vulnerable people that provided more than 4000 hot and healthy meals. She also arranged for the provision of Christmas Lunch (prepared and delivered by volunteers) to 50 individuals who, without our support, would have been alone and without food on Christmas Day. 

Daisy shared: "I am really proud of what I achieved and that I could help people most in need during the pandemic. It was an honour to be invited to such a special event, and it was so much fun too - I got a smile from Kate and Will, and Leona Lewis performed right in front of me!"

Royal Carols: Together at Christmas will be aired on ITV at 1930 on Christmas Eve.

Daisy Robinson on left

New faces at Blue Apple

Rebecca Godden joins staff as Engagement Coordinator

Rebecca Godden is an experienced Multi-Disciplinary Practitioner of performing arts, communicating her talent and passion for the arts across varied platforms within theatre, education, and the community on a national and international scale. She studied Contemporary Performance at The University of Winchester and holds a First-Class BA honours degree. Rebecca specialises in Devised Theatre and has a passion for access for all within the arts, and has collaborated with many industry artists and companies which include, Equity, Birmingham Stage Theatre Company, Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG London and Regional) and City Lit. She is thrilled to now be a part of the Blue Apple family!

Daisy Robinson joins staff as Development Lead

Daisy is a freelance Charity Consultant who is passionate about helping both individuals and the charities that they work for to thrive and be the best that they can be. Daisy has extensive knowledge and experience with a range of not-for-profit organisations, from established charities through to local start-ups. Daisy is a visionary, ambitious, and creative freelancer bringing over 15 years of experience spanning arts, youth, community, disability, and voluntary sectors. Daisy is committed to values of social justice, equality, diversity, and inclusion. Pronouns: she/her.

Rebecca Godden

Daisy Robinson

Dominic Thompson and Megan Ball join as Trustees

Dominic Thompson brings experience from his role as Director of Adult and Higher Education at Peter Symonds College. He also lectures in Educational Studies at Portsmouth University. Megan Ball is Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer at Sands, stillbirth and neonatal death charity and was previously President and Chair of the Board of Trustees at Winchester Student Union, and Student Governor at the University of Winchester Board of Governors.

After several years contribution as a Trustee we say a big thank you to Rebecca Sheppard as she leaves to focus on work and family commitments.

Megan Ball

Chair of Trustees exits stage

Georgiana Robertson has retired from her roles at Blue Apple Theatre after almost seven years as chair and even longer as a trustee.

In her time as Chair, Georgiana has led Blue Apple Theatre as it has grown across Hampshire, toured both in the UK and overseas, moved into film and dance, and become ‘company in residence’ at the University of Winchester.

Georgiana was aware of Blue Apple when Jane Jessop set it up in 2005. Becoming a trustee fulfilled her belief in people following their dreams, stepping beyond expectation and that we should all be doing our bit to make those opportunities possible. Reflecting on Blue Apple’s impact, she said “Every performance 'gives' to the actors themselves but it enriches all of us, audience members and local community too. With Blue Apple’s two major shows per year, plus many other one-offs, there's so much celebration that punctuates each year. What makes Blue Apple special is the creative fun and endeavour, such a range of repertoire, ambition, skills and commitment from everyone, full of non-stop surprises, and it’s always uplifting!”

Georgiana Robertson

Speaking of her role as a trustee she added “You give your time and your skills to help a very worthwhile organisation, a charity that achieves far more than numbers alone might tell, where achievements can be seen and enjoyed on stage but where others can pass unnoticed - confidence, social skills, fitness, interaction, mutual support, dedication, stimulation, nimbleness of mind and body, learning. Many happy memories are locked in my mind! Some of my particular favourites are from 2012 in The Happy Prince with costumes that described a city... who would think that even possible? And in 2016 some extraordinary images of acrobats, an elephant and Parsee in Around the World in 80 Days. Being a trustee at Blue Apple has many, many rewards; it’s been a real privilege to have been chair of such a wonderful and exciting theatre company.”

“Trustees at Blue Apple have a fixed length of service, but since I’m still able to give my time, by staying involved I can remain useful; helping to raise money, seeking support and ensuring a smooth handover in continuing to build a strong organisation. To use a theatrical metaphor, I think of it rather like being essential backstage support to stage performances!”

Georgiana stepped down from her role as Chair on 21 October 2021 and former Vice Chair, Professor Ed Rochead, has stepped into the role of Chair for the next few months to spearhead the search for a permanent Chair. Commenting on Georgiana’s tenure as Chair he said "Countless additional adults with learning disabilities have had their quality of life, and their life chances, enhanced by Blue Apple thanks to Georgiana’s strategic vision and exemplary leadership and energy. She has already volunteered to continue supporting Blue Apple in her new capacity as Chair Emeritus. Everyone involved in Blue Apple wishes her well for a superb 'retirement' from this role."