New Chair for Buxton Fringe

Buxton Festival Fringe has a new chair - former Fringe vice chair, Keith Savage, has taken over from Stephanie Billen, chair for the past five years, following the committee's Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday November 13.

In her final report as chair, Stephanie explained that her ambition has been 'to make sure that everything we say we do, we actually do and that we do it well', and that she took it as a compliment when someone once said 'Every year it feels as if the Fringe is more solid'. She also highlighted the Fringe's growing work in the community, its status in the town and the professionalism of the printed programme, and thanked the many volunteers who contribute to the success of the Fringe. In stepping down now, Stephanie said that she did so 'with my enthusiasm intact and with enough residual energy to still contribute in quite a big way behind the scenes'.

Keith, a long term Fringe committee member and entries co-ordinator, said "We all owe Stephanie Billen a great deal for her hard work and patience over the past 5 years- she has made the integrity and reputation of the Fringe a priority. She has also assembled a committee of volunteers with the skills and passion needed to ensure the continued success of an organization that contributes enormously to the life of the town."

In other changes, Maria Carnegie took over from Keith as Vice-Chair and Pam Mason steps into Maria's old role as Secretary, while Barbara Wilson stays on as Treasurer.

Stephanie was then presented with some gifts from the committee including a handsomely bound copy of the programmes for the five Fringes she presided over, and a natural light lamp, which will come in useful as Stephanie has more time to pursue her artistic interests.

- ends

For further information or interviews about the Fringe Send message to Press or tel: 07974 385767.