A VOLUNTARY group that was set up almost 30 years ago to help run Basingstoke's Haymarket Theatre has been disbanded.

The Haymakers was formed in 1977 by the late Margaret Wheeler from a group of individuals who gave up their free time to raise money for, and help run, the venue.

In its heyday, the organisation had more than 100 members who acted as ushers and front-of-house staff during performances.

Over the years, the volunteers have raised thousands of pounds which has been used, among other things, to refurbish the theatre coffee shop, purchase a grand piano and buy a theatre van.

But following the announcement last month that the theatre will close from January to September next year - before being reopened under the management of The Anvil Trust - the Haymakers committee members have decided to call it a day.

Marion Clarke, chairman of the committee, said a letter had been sent to all the volunteers inviting them to the organisation's AGM in January to discuss the matter.

She said: "The decision to disband the Haymakers was made because the Haymarket Theatre is closing and when it reopens it will not be the stand-alone venue it was in the past."

She added: "I have spoken to some of the volunteers and most of them think it is, sadly, the best thing to do - though a couple of people have said they want the Haymakers to carry on."

Before making the decision to disband, some of the committee members met with the chief executive of The Anvil, Christine Bradwell, to discuss the future of the volunteer group.

Mrs Bradwell told The Gazette that although she was more than happy to have a volunteer group working in both The Anvil and the Haymarket Theatre buildings, there would have to be some changes.

She said: "We are more than happy to have a volunteer group, but it would not be appropriate for it to be called the Haymakers as the volunteers would be working in both theatre buildings."

One volunteer, 68-year-old Bryn Strudwick, of Wykeham Drive, Worting, who has been a Haymaker since 1998, claims the decision to disband the group was inevitable following the announcement that the Haymarket Theatre was to close. He said it would leave a big gap in his life and in the lives of many other people.

"I think the general feeling among the volunteers is that of disappointment," he said.

"But it's generally agreed that there is no point in the Haymakers remaining as an organisation if there is no theatre to support."

Mr Strudwick said he has no interest in continuing to offer his services to The Anvil Trust.

Neil Cole, head of leisure services at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said: "The Haymakers have made a huge and very valuable contribution to the Haymarket Theatre over the years.

"Council officers have held meetings with the chair and other representatives from the group on several occasions, together with The Anvil chief executive, to discuss the new management arrangements for the theatre.

"We understand that the group may be considering looking at the ways that volunteers can best play a role in the theatre in the future, and that this may involve them winding up in their current format.

"I would like to take this opportunity to confirm that, whatever the Haymakers decide to do, we strongly support the principle of working with volunteers to support the new organisation in future."

A get-together for all former Haymakers is taking place at the Haymarket Theatre at noon on Saturday, January 13.