See How They Run may have been their first production, but the Heath Players will be celebrating their own run of 60 years later this year.

The East Malling-based players were formed in 1948, performing comedies, musicals and even Shakespeare to eager fans in the East Malling Institute hall.

However, when fire destroyed the hall in 1978, taking with it their costumes and props, it looked as though their amateur dramatics days were over.

But help came in the form of the Kent Messenger’s reporter Terry Wardle who, together with DJ David Hamilton and the Showbiz XI football team, took up the group’s cause and promoted the need to get the hall rebuilt.

Thanks to that campaign, the group rose from the ashes of their destroyed hall and Of Mink and Men was staged to audiences in the new Institute hall in 1982. Since then the group has gone from strength to strength.

Peter Coombs, treasurer and member of the players for 10 years, said: “When fire destroyed the hall, together with all of the players’ scenery, props and costumes, the society struggled to survive, but the determination of four members of the committee then won the support of a knight in inky armour – KM reporter Terry Wardle.

“His articles resulted in the show being staged to packed audiences in the new Institute hall. Since that time, the society has continued to entertain the residents of East Malling and elsewhere in Kent.

“It has changed over the years. When it started, it was mainly a case of putting on comedy plays; that was the emphasis, and they did some different plays like Chekov and even Gigi, as well as getting involved in the Kent drama festivals.

“But it was really the push from the KM that got it resurrected and brought it all back to life.”

The group today, which has up to 20 members of all ages, has concentrated on comedy and also specialises in coarse acting, where things go wrong – deliberately.

“They are great fun to do and usually great fun for the audience's point of view – once they twig that the problems are deliberate of course,” said Mr Coombs.

In the last decade they have also specialised in pantomime and murder mystery evenings.

“It is quite something for a group to last as long as 60 years,” said Mr Coombs.

The group aims to put on its diamond jubilee production on December 4, 5 and 6, plus an extra show at Ditton Community Centre on January 17, but is appealing for new members and helpers to ensure the production is top notch.

“We want the show to be a roaring success and a fitting tribute to all those who belonged to, and supported, the players over the last 60 years, so we need some extra support,” said Mr Coombs.

The group has decided to perform Beauty and the Beast and if you can sing, act, dance, or help in any way and would like to be involved, contact Jill or Peter Coombs on 01622 717491, or drop into a meeting on Friday evenings after 8pm at East Malling Institute.

• Do you remember the early days of the Heath Players or the fire? Write to The Way We Were, 6 & 7 Middle Row, Maidstone, ME14 1TG, or email messengernews@thekmgroup.co.uk