8
The Sun
one on one with the Sun
Wednesday October 21, 2015
Family ties to theatre The third generation of a Marlborough family is supporting the new theatre project because of the benefits it will have for the region. Rob Anderson has made a “substantial” contribution to the new ASB Civic Theatre, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Frank (“FL”) Anderson, 40 years ago. Frank’s son Ross Anderson is the fundraising manager for the theatre project but Rob says his uncle didn’t need to twist his arm to pledge support. “This project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Marlborough,” he says. “The broader benefits to the wider community made me stop and think how I wanted to be involved and to contribute.” Rob Anderson grew up in Marlborough and went to Nelson College and Victoria University before going into the IT industry, first in the banking sector and then setting up his own enterprises. He has been based back in Blenheim since the late 1990s and has strong ideas on how the new theatre will make the region more attractive. “Facilities like the stadium, the pool and Lansdowne Park are all important parts of the cultural and sporting mix that people look at when they are deciding whether to bring their family here. The theatre will be a strong component to make Marlborough an attractive place to live, which will also create jobs and encourage people to set up businesses.” He won’t put a figure on his contribution, but it is big enough that the Theatre Trust has offered him the naming rights to the 200-seat studio theatre that is part of the new complex. He is considering something as simple as the Anderson Theatre, to recognise the whole family’s contribution over the years. His grandfather’s major contribution to the existing theatre is still recognised by a plaque in the Wisheart Room. That room was originally an upstairs cafe for shoppers and the sign sits above what
Ross Anderson and his nephew Rob Anderson, who is the third generation of the family to support a theatre project in Blenheim.
was the entrance to the “FL Anderson Shopping Precinct” – the supermarket in the space now leased by Noel Leeming and the new Health Hub. Ross Anderson also started his career in banking and had just returned to be accountant at the family sawmill business in the mid-1970s when his father agreed to contribute to a new theatre. The existing theatre had been pulled down as an earthquake risk and the only place in town any good to put on a show was the Marlborough Boys’ College. Frank Anderson agreed to match the contribution from building supply merchant George Martin, even without knowing how much it was. His eyes watered a little when he was told Mr Martin had pledged $25,000, but he was good to his promise and between them the two men contributed a sum equivalent today to almost $500,000. Shortly after, Frank Anderson was persuaded to make a similar contribution to the development of Brayshaw Park, so
George Martin’s generous contribution to the theatre turned out doubly expensive for Frank. Ross says that was the way his father operated, an attitude that has continued in following generations. “The new theatre was a civic project and Dad felt it was important to support those things.” History was repeated in a way about five years ago when the Theatre Trust approached Ross to be the fundraising manager for the latest project, which is due to open in February. “They had approached a professional company which was going to charge an excessive amount, and then wouldn’t guarantee to reach a target.” While Ross has also made a hefty donation – “You can’t ask other people for money if you haven’t given any yourself” – the major part of his contribution has been hours of work, coming up with sponsorship ideas and twisting arms. And so the Anderson name will sit on the
Frank Anderson, whose legacy is still marked on a plaque in the Civic Theatre.
next iteration of the Civic Theatre, possibly for several more generations to come. As both Ross and Rob say, this is a project that had to go ahead for the community and it was the right thing for them to be involved.
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