In 2002, 'The Seahorse Café' Kids Ad Lib raised £316 for The Berkeley Centre in Chepstow run by Mencap. We did this by selling programmes, 'seahorse crafts' and by generous donations for the refreshments provided in the interval.

In 2003 we raised a fantastic £400 by selling 'dragon goods' and we divided this money between two good causes, namely The Shirenewton Church Extension Fund and again The Berkeley Centre.

In 2004 we supported the same good causes with a positively cosmic sale of goodies inspired by 'The Pied Piper of Betelgeuse' and we raised a similar amount of money. In 2005 we sold a range of goodies inspired by the production 'Boogie Doo and The Haunting of Knutcase Hall' and lucky programmes coupled with the generous donations for refreshments.

Last year members of the cast designed games and side shows, which they ran during the interval. The money raised, together with donations for refreshments and lucky programmes allowed us to donate more than ever before to our favourite good causes.

Kids Ad Lib have also been instrumental in helping to improve the facilities of Earlswood Hall by applying for grants that have enabled us to improve the curtain system on the stage. The old system was in bad repair. Towards the end of 2004, Kids Ad Lib purchased a new curtain track for the stage curtains and also put up a new curtain track at the back of the stage. These purchases were made possible by generous grants from Monmouthshire County Council.

This new system has made the changing of the backcloth scenery a piece of cake! Now, the children of Kids Ad Lib are able to change the backcloths and pull the stage curtains and this ability to help backstage is all part and parcel of the fun of putting on a production.