A ‘GOLDEN TICKET’ £5,000 funding bid to stage a production of the children’s classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in Kelso received a ringing endorsement at a meeting on Monday.

Members of Cheviot Area Partnership agreed a quartet of funding applications totalling almost £15k at the reconvened meeting.

The funding bids had to be stood down at an earlier meeting on Wednesday, September 18, after not enough Scottish Borders councillors attended to make it quorate.

Bids totally £14,892 were agreed at Monday’s meeting, with members informed that at an earlier funding panel meeting its members recommending that they all were approved.

Kelso Amateur Operatic Society received £5,000 to support the costs of hiring the town’s Tait Hall for the operatic society’s next production, a 2025 version of Roald Dahl’s children’s classic Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Members were informed that the costs of productions varied from year to year.

It is estimated that next year’s production will cost approximately £30,000, including the costs of lighting, sound, orchestra, royalties, the musical director and choreographer.

The society has 54 members who pay £50 a year in subscription fees and the £5,000 in funding was “essential” for the production going ahead, a spokesperson stating: “This is a positive benefit to the community, an annual show that people expected and looked forward to.”

QME Care was awarded £5,000 to support the costs of providing food and refreshments for those attending Place & Space Day opportunities.

Ancrum Community Council received £467 for the purchase of a generator and Jerry cans.

And Jedburgh Tourism Alliance was awarded £4,425 to fund information points for display in the town, a website update and the design and printing of posters to promote local activity and events.