LATE ELLEN TERRY

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1929, Page 3

LATE ELLEN TERRY

SCHEME FOR NATIONAL MEMORIAL.

LONDON. January 17

A scheme is on foot for acquiring Small Hvthe Place, at Tenterden, Kent, Dame Ellen Terry’s home for the last 25 years of her life. Mr Bernard Shaw, a close friend of Dame Ellen for many years, has emsented to serve on the general committee and the proposal has the warm appir.va! of Sir J. M. Barrie, The theatrical profession is taking a keen ini crestin the scheme. Sir Johnston FoibcsRobcrtson, the veteran actor, is the chairman, and Dame Madge Kendal, the veteran actress, the vice-chairman and, in addition to it is expected that a certain amount of money required for the project will be raised by means of matinees •n , tl entertainments organised by admirers of the great actress in Tier own pioh“Sion. America is watching the progress «•*! the scheme with enthusiasm. Miss Ethel Barrymore and Mrs Fiske, two well-known American actresses, represent the American stage'on i lie <ommittoe, and it is hoped that Air Noel Coward may be able to do something towards stimulating interest ill it while he is in New York. In London one of the most enthusiastic workers is Mr C. B. Cochran, who is on the executive and lias put forward suggestions for getting the money in quickly. The sum of £15,000 is required. Only a small portion of this sum is needed for the actual purchase of

the property and the remainder is to be devoted to an endowment fund Miss Gertrude Kingston, the chairman of the executive, and other actors and actresses interested, regard the establishment of a theatrical library and a theatrical museum at Small Hythe Place as a valuable feature of the scheme In addition, a barn adjoining the house is to he adapted as a small theatre, where it is hoped to institute an annual dramatic festival on a small scale during the week in July in which the anniversary of Ellen Terry’s death falls.