History of HAPS

HAPS was formed in 1982 following the disbanding of the Wiggin Panto Group in 1981. A small number of the original group met to decide what to do with the costumes, scenery and props etc that had been accumulated over its run. The overwhelming concensus of the meeting was that they would dearly like to carry on the tradition of the Wiggin Panto Group. Thus HAPS was born.

The first year was taken up constructing the constitution, setting up the new society and making membership available to anyone in the county, hence the name. Many people from all walks of life have joined HAPS over the years. Some have stayed for a just a couple of performances and then moved on, for whatever reason. However, many have stayed and helped to develop and expand the society into what it is today. Currently HAPS has a membership of 80 - 100 people (mainly families) with Dad's helping backstage, Mum's helping front of house or even in the chorus and children forming the junior chorus.

To this day, HAPS continues the tradition of providing a fun, family pantomime whilst donating money annually to local good causes and charities. So far, the combined amount donated from both Wiggins and HAPS stands at £45,000 to £50,000.