What an amazing time was had by all. The marquee was full of smiling, happy people, if a bit worried to start with! As time went on the evenings were far more relaxed, jokes flying around, photos being taken. None of which took anything away from the camaraderie that was experienced during each performance. Yes, of course, ‘Snow White and The 8 Dwarfs’ It seems the audience enjoyed it as much, or more than we all did if the comments were anything to go by. There were even a few in the audience for the dress rehearsal on the Wednesday night! Thursday evening was full, great audience with lots of banter. Friday, which on previous years, the audience were rather tentative, started off that way but within a short space of time were joining in and enjoying themselves. Saturday matinée was brilliant. We all loved seeing the little ones so very confidently, thoroughly enjoying themselves as Laundry assistants. At the end of their scene, they all disappeared one after the other, head first through the washing machine door with Nursey squeezing through at the end. Fabulous, budding little actors to watch out for. After a quick turn around back home, bite to eat etc., back we were for Saturday night. Most certainly the most local and raucous audience! What a fantastic night to finish on, ending of course with the traditional after party. Great script, scenery, costumes, props, music, lighting. Acting, dancing, singing and above all humour. Wonderful to see everyone blossoming once we had an audience, it always needs this just to lift everyone to the next level. Well done absolutely everybody involved, not forgetting Rosina, who turned out at the beginning of each performance as box office lady. Even the weather was kind to us! The following day by the afternoon, there wasn’t a sign around that anything had been going on, in and around the village hall. Roll on the next event!
Thursday 8th March, Steventon Singers met at Oak Lodge for a Sing-a-Long in the lounge with the residents, led by Karen on the keyboard. Lots of real old favourites, ‘Red, Red Robin’, ‘I’m Forever Blowing bubbles’, ‘A Mouse lived in a Windmill in Old Amsterdam’ and ‘The Hippopotamus’, to name a few. Thank you Karen for organizing the occasion, we look forward to the next one.
Book group met on Friday 8th at Shona’s. Thank you so much for hosting Shona, plus catch up time with Olive! also to Sally and Karen for delicious cakes. After much chatting we finally got round to discuss ‘Once Upon a River’ by Diane Setterfield. A well reviewed, well woven book of magical mystery, receiving a score of 8.
Friday 15th arrived, the evening of the 1st Steventon’s Men’s Pop-Up Pub night. According to Mike, a great night of traditional pub games, great company and good conversation with a lot of laughs. Hats off to Jeff for organizing the event, a great success.
Monday 18th was Coffee & Cake in the village hall. After a slow start, once again by 11.00am, all the tables were full with everyone enjoying each other’s company and catching up, while thoroughly enjoying the delicious cakes, cheese scones and coffee. Thank you so much to Marilyn, Sheena, Rosina, Rachel & Fiona. My, how time flies, before we knew it, time to clear away and slowly make our way home.
Spring is most certainly here, wonderful. Mowers can be heard in the distance, weeding is underway in the garden. Masses of primroses, daffodils and snowdrops in perfusion, blossom foaming in white and pink waves along the hedgerows and in gardens. Buds bursting forth while others are awaiting a while for warmer weather. Nesting time is almost here, sunflower seeds greedily being consumed by so many Blue-Tits and Goldfinches, not forgetting the Robin. The beautiful coloured male Pheasant quickly pecking up any that drop below. The sound each morning and evening of the Blackbird’s exquisite song, absolutely wonderful. Breakfast Together on Saturday 23rd to look forward to, also on Saturday 27th April is the much awaited Bluebell Coffee Morning in aid of St Michael’s Hospice. Julian, once again I’m sure, will have the Bluebells looking spectacular, along with his beautiful garden. Hope to see you all there.