by Alan Quick

CODS, the Crediton Operatic and Dramatic Society has been announced as the latest winner of RGB Building Supplies’ Well Built Community Fund, following a public vote where the local community was asked to show their support.

Up against groups based in Holsworthy and Launceston, CODS came out on top of the vote and now has £1,000 to spend at the RGB Crediton branch.

More than 2,000 votes were received in total.

CODS has been in existence for more than 50 years and stages concerts, musicals and plays for the enjoyment of the local community.

Their shows take place in the school hall at both Queen Elizabeth’s School sites in the town and the society works hard to transform the hall and entrance foyer into impressive theatre sets to fit around each show.

CODS will be using the £1,000 to purchase materials to create scenery and sets for upcoming performances.

Heather Barlow, Chairman of CODS, said: "On behalf of CODS, we were delighted to be shortlisted for the RGB community award.

“As a group, we then worked tirelessly to raise the profile of the award with our friends, family and local town, as well as our followers and asked for their support. We were stunned with the response we got and were over the moon to have been successful in our bid.

“Since the RGB branch opened in Crediton, we have always used them to buy our materials for all of our productions, and they have been very supportive and helpful over the years. Winning this grant will help us with our production and we cannot thank RGB enough."

CODS also expressed thanks to Alan Quick of the “Crediton Courier” who made the society aware of the award.

Adrian Borchardt, Branch Manager at RGB Crediton, added: “CODS is a much loved group in the local area that always puts on fantastic shows, so huge congratulations to them. We look forward to seeing what they create with the materials.”