CHRISTINE Munkenbeck, the long-standing chairperson of Get Changed Theatre Company in Okehampton, has retired from the role after being involved with the organisation for 21 years.

Established in 1995, Get Changed Theatre Company is a vibrant organisation for adults with learning disabilities and Christine had been involved since the start.

She began as a leisure development officer and helped get the initial funding to set up the company — which has been running for two decades and produces high quality arts projects that aim to challenge public attitudes and raise the profile of the disability community.

Get Changed offers opportunities to adults with learning difficulties to take part in the arts through their productions.

Christine has been the driving force behind the theatre group since it was set up.

She was formerly a secretary for the company, a committee member and trustee; for seven years she was the chairperson.

‘Being involved with Get Changed Theatre Group has been great, and I have met so many amazing people,’ said Christine.

‘I have seen the company grow and grow. We started with only seven members and now have around 21.

‘I would like to thank all of the fellow trustees who have worked so hard alongside me, I would also like to thank all of the people involved with the theatre group, the members, parents, partners, carers, volunteers, and all of the wonderful organisations that we have worked with.’

‘We have collaborated with lots of organisations over the years, including The National Trust at Castle Drogo, Petrock College, and Funky Lama theatre group from Plymouth. The company also performed a fantastic Alice in Wonderland inspired preferences at this year’s Exeter Respect Festival.

One of my favourite performances was at Castle Drogo back in 2014. The piece was called Raise the Roof. It was well-funded so the set and costumes were more extravagant – it was just fantastic!’

Get Changed Theatre Company meest up on Wednesdays at the Ockment Centre in Okehampton and usually put on two to three shows a year.

To find out more information about joining the company and future events, visit www.getchanged.com