This year we have chosen to support the South Suffolk Branch of The National Association for Colitis & Crohn’s Disease (NACC), which operates out of Ipswich Hospital

The aims of the local group are to:

- provide information and support for people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Colitis and Crohn's Disease
- heighten the awareness and profile of IBD
- raise money to improve the care of IBD in local hospitals, and to help fund NACC Research, Welfare and General funds.

In spite of the name Crohn’s disease which sounds very much as if it is associated with old women it is most likely to be diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 25 and Colitis between 15 and 35.

There are around 260 members in the Suffolk area.

I expect like me many of you new nothing of the existence of this Charity and only a vague awareness of these debilitating conditions.

We hope that through our production of Thoroughly Modern Millie not only to raise a large amount of money but that we will make many more people aware of the charity and the reasons for its existence.

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The ESTAA Awards took place on 19th March 2005 at The Elizabeth Hotel Copdock. This Year Appeal received three nominations; Michael Ryles - Youth Achievement, Jo Whelton - Achievement in Direction, and Best Musical and Sound. All three nominations were for Godspell at The New Wolsey Theatre June 2004.

Michael Ryles took part in the evening's entertainment with Harry Waller (Godspell Choir), Hannah Lloyd (Guys & Dolls cast) and several other young performers from local companies; Jo Reeder (Guys & Dolls Cast) choreographed the entertainment assisted by Jane Robinson (Guys & Dolls cast). It was an excellent display of the talent of the future.

The main event was obviously the awards and they were entertainingly distributed by Helen McDermott, assisted by many of the sponsors and their representatives. John Whelton and Richard Healey collected the award for Best Musical and Sound on behalf of the Godspell cast, crew and production team.

In addition John Whelton was named the dream Panto Musical Director for his involvement in Humpty Dumpty at the Spa Pavilion this Christmas.

The awards were great fun and the evening was a lovely chance to meet people from other local groups. Many thanks go out to the ESTAA team who once again provided an excellent evening out.