Brian Foster was elected president, following the death earlier this year of Joan Mallett.

He is only the ninth president to take office since the founding of the society in 1946.

Joan Mallett, who served as president from 1991 to 2008, was a driving force of the society, taking on diverse roles as member, playing member, director of plays, committee member, chairman and president.

Brian Foster has been a member since 1958 and has been actively involved in the society since then as a member, playing member, director, treasurer and also chairman. He was welcomed by all present and received the Badge of Office.

A warm round of applause was given in honour of Joan Mallett.

The society which goes from strength to strength, artistically and financially, has decided to rejoin NODA , the National Operatic and Dramatic Association again in recognition of Harry Cook, a former member of the society, who became National President of NODA, and was also Joan Mallett’s father.

The Society now looks forward to its 2008/09 programme which begins with "Allo Allo" at Harrogate Theatre from October 1 to 4.