It began in the early Eighties as a tribute to a local preacher and youth worker.

But who in the group, which came together in 1984 to celebrate the life of Martin Littlewood and to raise money for his family, could have seen the journey they would all go on to take together?

For that’s how you suspect Jean Bareham sees it. Jean, now 80, was the driving force behind the Huddersfield Christian Music and Drama Group which after that first production – Godspell – went on to stage shows for many more years.

All the shows had a story to tell about faith, and all raised money to help a wide range of causes.

The large casts of performers sang, danced and acted their way through show after show raising money for Methodist schools and youth clubs in Panama, for a Marsden woman working as a missionary in the Philippines and in urgent need of an eye operation, for the Huddersfield Royal Infirmary’s body scanner and for its breast cancer clinic appeal. The work went on and on.

Now Jean, who is also a lifelong Giants’ fan, is keen to rekindle memories from those shows, which ran until 1993, by bringing together as many former company members as she can.

She’s organised a reunion at the John Smith’s Stadium next weekend (November 16) when she hopes old friends will get together and remember the days when they ran large-scale musical productions on a shoe-string, because that’s what they did.

“We did 11 shows in 10 years. It started as a way of remembering Martin and supporting his family,” said Jean.

“Some of us got talking at his memorial service and we felt we had to do something.

“We had quite a lot of young people at our church and we thought Godspell would be a good production to do.

“Before we knew where we were, it took off. People had such a good time that they said let’s do another next year.

“We decided that if we were going to do that, we would find a charity every year to support and that’s what we did.

“Anybody could be in the shows. We never turned anyone away,” said Jean.

“We always made use of people’s talents. Many people said there was nothing like the group at their church and we had people from all over.

“We had Catholics, Methodists, Baptists, people from the Christian Fellowship and Elim Church.”

Jean found people willing to help in every area. “We didn’t have to lay much money out because I made the costumes. I used to find fabric all over the place.

“John Harris, head of music at Salendine Nook, said he would be musical director for the first show. But then he carried on and worked with us all the time.

“ Joan Blair was my co-producer and treasurer. She was with me all the way and I couldn't have done it without her.

“And Pete Woodhouse from the Elim Church provided the sound equipment. But it was like that. People pitched in to help.”

So where did the idea of a reunion come from?

“I get Christmas cards from people who were in the shows and they often talk about what wonderful times we had.

“It’s now almost 30 years since the first show and what better time to celebrate and share a few memories?” And that’s what Jean hopes will happen next weekend.

“It’s my treat completely. I’m 80 now and thought it was a good time to do this. Gordon, my son and James, my grandson, will be doing a disco and there will be a supper.

“Thirty years ago, some of the people involved in the show were teenagers and it will be really exciting to see them now.

“I know that John Royston, who played many leading roles, is coming with his wife Celia. And I know I shall be seeing many more familiar faces.”

Anyone connected with the group who wants to join the reunion should call Jean on 01484 548345.