It is with great sadness that I have to report the passing of one of our long serving volunteers, Maureen Harling, on Thursday the 19th of August, aged 87 years old, In Royal Blackburn Hospital.
Maureen had not been well enough over the last couple of years to take up any duties at the Theatre, but she always kept in touch by asking about the progress that we were making.
Maureen was in at the start of the fundraising efforts beginning in 1998 when the Theatre was more of a dream than a reality.
She helped in many fund raising events with so many others (we called ourselves The Red Brick Army) as that was the name of the building in those days.
She also was a member of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society, and the Go’s performing group and was a good front of house team member through the years.
The Empire Theatre was an important part of her life.
She had an amazing personality and made friends so easily and was much loved by all that met her.
During the last couple of years she kept insisting that she would be back to help at the Theatre, but sadly that was not to be.
On a personal note, Maureen was my big sister, who had a great influence on my life, and was an inspiration to me and so many others.
Details of funeral arrangements will follow.
Michael.