8
the birstall post MAR 2011
Show goes on! DESPITE A series of setbacks the 2011 men’s pantomime ‘Ali Baba & The Forty Thieves’ at Birstall Methodist church went ahead over six performances and was enjoyed by audiences which totalled almost 600. This year we were fortunate to have a very resourceful director, Richard Tinley; without
whom the show could easily have floundered. Almost at the same time as Jean Valentine, our artistic producer Pic: Chorus members (Beggars & Merchants), (l to r) Adie Robinson, John Towson, suddenly had a back Carl Topley, James Moore, Len Legget address the injury which put her Caliph Mike Allan in hospital, Richards’s brother sadly died in Newcastle. Richard was faced with making the arrangements and taking the funeral. Then right at
Pic: Dancers Phil & Paul Young
the very last minute, another Panto stalwart, Brian Cuttill, had to drop out because of illness. Richard took his place on stage. So despite losing the producer, coping with a bereavement, and losing a star performer at the last minute, Richard managed to keep the show going and took the role of the performer who was ill, Ali Baba’s ‘Aunty’, ‘Pepsi Kola’. Despite lacking in one or two well-known faces, the 2011 performances were well received by the audiences. Ali Baba was played by Alex Fearn, who ends up ‘marrying’ the Caliphs daughter, Charisma, who was played by Matthew Bishop. Les Gale took the traditional Panto Dame (Semolina), and John Towson her husband
Legget, Tony Moore, James Moore, Billy Loach, Isaak Harrison & Thomas Wilkins. Elliott Harrison and Carl Topley did special dance numbers too. They were at different stages, merchants, robbers or beggars! The script was one of the original scripts written in the 1950’s by the late John Valentine who was producer for Pic: Carl Topley & Len Leggett leading the camel played many years. by brothers Elliot & Isaak Harrison. David Bark was Musical Direc‘Windolina’. Ron Forbes was tor and Choreography was by Ali Baba’s father, and Sally Montague Mason. seller of dustbins! The cast are grateful to Mike Allen took the all who made the producpart of the Caliph, and tion possible, and to the Paul Young the Robber audiences for their particiChief, with his (real pation. life) brother Paul as The cast are keen to Second in Command. recruit any new members No we didn’t manage for the 2012 production. 40 thieves, but the chorus Contact John 2675128 or Richdid total 10 cast members; ard 2209462. Pic: Matthew Bishop Adrian Robinson, Ben Moore, Len played Charisma From Tony Moore
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THE CONTRIBUTION of one of the founders of Birstall & District Local History Society has been recognised with the presentation of a gift by fellow members. John Kilby, a former chairman of the society and its newly elected president, was presented with a £25 Waterstones voucher at the February meeting. John has a historic connection with the village and is the author of ‘Names Around Birstall’ with Stuart Liquorish, ‘Methodism in Birstall’ and ‘Birstall Village : a brief history of Birstall 1900-1999’. Pic: John Kilby with Chairman of the Society Brenda Watts and committee members.
Slimming for grandson A BIRSTALL slimmer is shedding the pounds to raise money for the care of her grandson. Kate O’Melly (57) of Gwendolin Avenue has so far lost a stone at Rosemary Conley’s Diet & Fitness class held at Birstall Golf Club. Her sponsored slim is raising money for the care of her 12 year old grandson Declan, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). She said: “Declan was diagnosed when he was eight, which is very late. He was still walking then but became wheelchair bound in 2008. He can just about lift his arm to feed himself now. He cannot dress himself or turn over in bed, and my daughter has to help him during the night.” Kate aims to lose three stone in total. “Rosemary is very supportive and she and her staff have been a great help” said Kate. She added: “Declan is proud of me and is my real driving force. Duchennes is a cruel disease and I am hoping to raise awareness
Pic: Kate O’Melly with grandson Declan
of his life limiting condition.” The average life expectancy for people with DMD is 27 years.
BVCC cricket corner BIRSTALL VILLAGE Cricket Club had their annual AGM in January. The meeting decided the election of officers, events and the many important decisions for the club’s progression for the upcoming season. Some of the senior positions for the 2011 season include: Club President Mike Lord, Chairman/Secretary - Andy Merry, Treasurer - Ian Bartlett, 1st Team Captain – Dave Sharpe, 2nd Team Captain
– Steve Findley, Midweek Captain – Joshua Saye, Junior Manager – Hamish Carnan Senior nets will begin Thursday evening February 17 at the County Nets, Grace Road from 9-10pm. Any inquiries please contact Dave Sharpe on 07527186705. Junior nets for under 13s and 15s will begin Friday evening February 18 at the East Park Road Centre from 6-7.30pm. Any inquiries please contact Hamish Carnan on 07812791322. The Club presentation evening for the 2010 season will take place at St Margaret’s Bowls Club, Birstall Road on March 26 from 7pm. All associated club members are welcome. Joshua Saye