IT?was way back in 1911 that a group of local enthusiasts led by the organist of St Mary's Church, Mr W H Carr decided that it might be a good idea to stage a musical to help raise funds for the Abergavenny Cottage Hospital and Dispensary.

A meeting was called at a local hotel and enough people signed up to make the proposed production of the now long forgotten musical The Nautical Knot a reality

Little did this group of local actors and singers realise that the seeds they were sowing would result in the creation of one of Wales's longest running and most successful amateur theatre companies - Abergavenny Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society.

According to the company's archivist and historian Tony Paton, the first production, which featured local performers Mr L Evans, Mr C?Marsh, Mr J Alick Morgan and Mr H Shackleton, was a great success and started an almost unbroken history of performances, interrupted only by two world wars.

"All of the early members were prominent figures in the town and became stalwarts of the society," explains Mr Paton, who along with the late Bernard Zavishlock, has created a book marking the first century of AAODS, which will be published next month as the society begins a programme of celebrations marking its long and illustrious history.

"I feel very honoured to be at the helm of AAODS during this very special year," said current chairman Jill Murray.

"I actually feel a bit of a fraud holding the position because there are people who have been members for a lot longer than I have, but I'm delighted to have been asked and think it's such an incredible privilege, especially when I look back at the list of people who have been in the chair before me."

"I'm delighted to be just a little bit of AAODS?history myself," she added.

The formal celebrations of 100 years of AAODS will begin on Sunday, February 27 when a combined blessing and concert will take place at St Mary's Church in Abergavenny.

The free concert, entitled A Celebration of AAODS?Past by AAODS?Present will include a selection of solos and chorus numbers from popular musical shows, as well as readings, hymns and a screening of a montage of old photographs and programme covers from the past 100 years, most of which have been lovingly preserved by Tony Paton and Bernard Zavishlock.

"The one thing which will mar the celebrations is that?Bernard Zavishlock, who along with Tony did so much of the organisation and planning for the service, will not be there to enjoy it and take the applause," said Jill.

The AAODS?life member and society stalwart for more than 50 years died shortly before Christmas following a long illness.

"Despite his illness Bernard worked tirelessly with Tony to put together the celebration concert and the book which will be on sale soon," said Jill.

The book - A Hundred Years of Abergavenny Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, features 176 pages of cuttings, memories, colour pictures and information tracing the history of the society and the place it holds in the social history of Abergavenny.

"We've included many early reviews from the Abergavenny Chronicle as well as some magnificent pictures which have been loaned to the company by Brian Shackleton, whose father was one of the leading lights of the society for many years," said Jill.

The book will be launched at the free concert on February 27 which will be attended by many former members of the company as well as invited guests such as the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent, the High Sheriff of Gwent, David Davies MP, Councillor Norma Watkins, Mayor of Abergavenny, the president of NODA and the director of Ty Cerdd.

Among the guests will also be the president of Abergavenny Rotary, which helped fund the production of the book.

"We have also contacted as many ex members as we have been able to but we are still keen to hear from any former AAODS members who we may have missed so that we can invite them to the concert," said Jill

"If anyone knows of people who have been members of AAODS or helped out in any way and who may not have been thought of please get in touch with me at 4, Chapel Orchard, Abergavenny, NP7 7BQ with a contact address and we will get in contact," she said

"We really would like to see as many members and former members there as possible."

The year of celebration will continue in April when AAODS stages its centenary production of Stephen Sondheim's classical comedy A?Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

"The show was chosen as a complete contrast to last year's Fiddler on the Roof and it is very funny and packed with tongue in cheek - and not at all lewd - humour," explained Jill.

The show, which gave rise to the TV comedy Up Pompeii, is directed for AAODS by professional director Ken Caswell, with musical direction by Ross Leadbeater, who performs with Only Men Allowed and first acted as MD for AAODS several years ago.

"The show will certainly dispel any preconceived ideas about Sondheim music because although the music is very challenging it's not at all discordant and the lyrics are certainly very funny," explained Jill.

The cast includes Rob Jenkins as Pseudolous, Debbie Harrington as Domina, Andrew Fowler as Hero, newcomer Lucy Philips as Philia and Tony Reynolds as Hysterium.

Also taking a central role in the production is AAODS stalwart Patrick Martin, whose parents Joe and Rene were longtime members of the company before him.

"We're looking forward to the show and suggest early booking as audiences have been disappointed when the last few shows have sold out by the end of the week," said Jill.

With rehearsals for the concert and annual production going well, the landmark anniversary is also set to be recognised with an exhibition at Abergavenny Museum displaying AAODS memorabilia from the last century.

"Tony Paton has been putting the final touches to the exhibition which will run from this week until the Summer,?" said Jill.

"We hope that anyone who has had any association with the society will go along and have a look at what is on show,"?she added.

"The celebrations will continue in September when we have a one night only concert at The Borough Theatre which will feature songs from many of our past shows and will hopefully introduce some specially invited guests.

"This night will be compered by our director Ken Caswell."?said Jill.

The busy year will come to a close with the company's acclaimed junior section which will perform its, as yet undisclosed, show at the Borough Theatre in November.

"Before that of course we have our centenary ball at the Angel in June which is to be a masquerade. The ballroom can hold 120 guests and we have already sold out.

"All in all it's going to be a busy year but one which we are all going to enjoy - there's not many societies around that have been going for 100 years and we are proud of our history," said Jill.

Tickets for A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum are available now from the theatre box office on 01873 850805.