A COMMUNITY arts group for adults with learning difficulties and children is appealing for donations to help to build a shed to store a large collection of costumes.

The group comprises Tavistock Children’s Theatre Club (TC2), Tavistock-based Engage Theatre Company for adults with learning difficulties and Liskeard-based Stage Kids, which are overseen by the Regarding Eve Theatre Company.

The not-for-profit groups have accumulated a large collection of costumes and props over the past ten years or so which enables them to create theatre which is as professional as possible, but they have just lost their storage space.

Ilona Richardson, on behalf of the groups, said: ‘We have had our costumes stored in various places over the years thanks to the generosity of others — we stored them at the Molly Owen Centre for a while and Fairway Furniture. Most recently we have had them in a back room at The Wharf, but it is now being rented out.

‘We have been given a bit of land owned by The Wharf, which we can build a small, 16 x 8ft shed on. It will be really useful but it costs money and the cash will be needed upfront so we’re trying to fundraise to pay for it.’

Ilona said they had been in contact with local businesses but the quotes had been a lot of money so they were still looking to see if someone could do it for a reasonable price. The groups were hoping to spend not much more than £1,000.

Ilona added: ‘We need to build something as soon as possible because at the moment we’ve got everything stored in the dressing room at The Wharf, which obviously can’t be used for long.’

A Crowdfunding website has been set up on which to collect donations and £200 has already been collected, but the groups are hoping people will come forward to help them reach their target.

To support the theatre groups and make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/steph-reese-1