Firstly, Ollie Hegarty (Chairperson) welcomed everyone and read out a list of apologies from people who could not make it.
Next, Fiona Ducke (Secretary) read out a list of people that Passionfruit Theatre Co. sincerely wanted to thank. Fiona said that it had been a very stressful few weeks and the help and support we received was very much appreciated. (There were too many people to thank individually however Fiona named a few.)

Thanks to Adrian at the Westmeath Independent, Seamus at the Athlone Voice, Triona at the Athlone Advertiser, Sinead at Midland Radio, all at Shannonside Radio and Athlone Community Radio. Thanks to Margaret Mullan who has offered to put on her play in aid of Passionfruit Theatre Co. Thanks to Pascal Gough for generously giving us the Dean Crowe Theatre on 30th June for Carmel Sheerin & the Ravens' performance. Thanks to Levina Reeves, Paddy McCaul and Thomas Silke who also gave us their establishments for our use. Thanks to Mick King, AnneMarie Hynes and Rob O Rourke for looking after the petitions. Thanks to Mary O Rourke, Micheal O Faolain, Carmel Duffy and Fionnuala O'Connell for all their help and support. Thanks to all those who phoned, text and emailed. Your support has given us great strength over recent weeks.

Fiona then said that she had met the secretary of the Masonic Lodge on Tuesday 2nd June. He told her that all the building's committee were now in favour of Passionfruit Theatre Co. taking the lease at 9 Northgate Street. He said that their solicitor was now doing up this lease. He said that we will be notified when this is completed.

Fiona told all those at the meeting about the upcoming gigs in June.
Agustin Maruri on 14th June in Reeves Art Studio
John Spillane on 26th June in the Palace Loft
Carmel Sheerin on 30th June in the Dean Crowe Theatre. This last musical performance is in aid of Passionfruit Theatre. We would like to sincerely thank the Sheerin family for their kindness and generosity.

Lastly Fiona told everyone that we hope to continue with musical performances, drama and workshops in 9 Northgate Street in September. As regards drama; John McKenna and his drama group will visit with a new play. A drama group of the North are coming with a play as gaeilge. The FocusTheatre Co. have also expressed a keen interest in Passionfruit Theatre and hope to come with their recent productions. Margaret Mullan will also present her play Promises Promises. Lastly we have two new plays; one in association with the Midlands Drug Force and the other by Dr Joe Ducke.

Musical performances will recommence in September. We will have music from Triona Marshall, Damien Dempsey, Chris Newman & Maire Ni Chathasaigh, Preston Reed and many more.

Planning is under way for our series of free public lectures and workshops. The following activities have been confirmed so far:

September 2009: an interactive workshop with Suicide or Survive, a group which endeavours to challenge the stigma attached to mental illness and provide a range of educational and therapeutic programmes that increase understanding of suicide and play an active role in its prevention in Ireland.

October 2009: Free career guidance workshop for leaving cert students, with Ger Colleran of iCareer, who provide a specialized service in coaching young people in their education and career choices specializing in Central Administration Office (CAO) Application Forms, Third Level Courses and Job / Career fields. Their tailored approach to the needs of the young people and their parents / guardians we work with, delivers on their specific challenges, requirements and budget.

Fiona also said that Passionfruit Theatre Co. are running free art workshops for Primary School children at Halloween and Christmas.

At the end of the public meeting; Fiona said that it says on our website 'its your town, its your theatre'. Therefore, Passionfruit Theatre Co. welcomes local singer/songwriters, local drama groups, local artists, poets and speakers. Also, if any member of the community had any ideas of what they would like to see at 9 Northgate Street, Fiona asked them to email or phone her.

We thank you sincerely again for your kindness, compassion, help and support.