THOUSANDS of costumes have been rescued by an amateur dramatics group in a bid to restore its wardrobe to its former glory.

In its heyday, the costume department of the Chingford Amateur Dramatics Operatic Society (CADOS) had a reputation for its array of vintage clothes and copies dating back to the early 20th Century and used to hire out to other drama groups and for costume parties.

But after seven years of festering in a damp storage room with little attention after the previous wardrobe manager left, several truck-loads of costumes have been dusted off and attempts are being made to salvage as much as possible.

New wardrobe manager, Tommy Spencer, a theatre studies graduate with an expertise in costume from 1935 to 1972, has undertaken the odious task of sorting out the jumble.

He and many of the 40 members, aged from children to senior citizens, spent several weekends in Mornington Hall, The Green Walk, sorting through mountains of clothes, shoes and accessories which have appeared in numerous plays and musicals over the group’s 65-year history.

The 22-year-old said: “We had to throw about more than three truck loads because they were moth-eaten and damaged.

“There were original World War Two uniforms and moth-eaten designer suits from the 1960s. It was heartbreaking.

“But we have managed to save loads, which is great. We want to get it up and running again so it will benefit not only the group but others in the area.”

Most of the costumes were donations from the Chingford community or had been made by the costume committee since the group, which is a registered charity, was founded.

In the past CADOS has relied on the revenue from hiring out costumes for parties or events and Mr Spencer said it is essential that they reinvigorate this service to prevent the group from ‘going bust’.

CADOS chair and member for nearly 40 years, Fran Chalkwright, said: “When Tommy said he wanted to help with the wardrobe I was so happy. It has been a mammoth task but I am so glad we are getting it done.

“The storage room was subject to flooding which caused a lot of problems. Now we are looking for a second store room at minimum rent because we don’t want to lose any more costumes.”

The group will be dressed as characters from Lewis Caroll’s Alice in Wonderland at Chingford Village Festival to publicise their appeal for new donations and for people to hire costumes.

Anyone interested in joining CADOS, either performing or backstage, should contact Fran Chalkwright on 8926 7413.

Those wishing to donate or hire a costume can contact Tommy Spencer on 07549 318197 or email cadoswardrobe@live.co.uk

CADOS is staging 'Lend Me A Tenor' from June 17-20. For tickets call 8529 2123.