Lest you forgot or simply wish to forget … it rained, and rained and rained again! …
The June Coronation Event – was a dry day but without the marquees we could not have done the preparation work and stage the event.
The July Proms was cancelled – due to the uncertainty of the weather; this proved to be a very good decision because when the Firework finale would have been taking place – there was a massive thunderstorm over Hillam.
The September Beer Fest – was staged in fine weather under very grey and heavy skies and the most number marquees we have ever erected – just to be sure we would be dry and enjoy the Beer, Food and Fun.
Next came the November Firework event. Fortunately, the preparation work was done in fine weather, however the event was treated(??) to an absolute downpour BUT it did stop raining for the magnificent firework display. It was a pity only a few people were there to see it but understandable as it was very wet!
The CA volunteers work with other village partners to stage the events so help create the feeling of community and living somewhere special. The events are also intended to be fund raises for the organisations to help continue their work either to fund day to day activities or future developments. Last year, the CA actually funded the losses incurred at the Proms and Firework event and to stage the Coronation Event. It is always disappointing to waste the effort and money raised elsewhere. It can only be spent once! Please support village events. Since the washout, the CA volunteers have continued to provide and plan more socially inclusive village events for residents and supporters.
The Beer Fest Team had a great night out in November at the Elmet Kitchen – fabulous Indian food, drinks and company helped us celebrate another successful Beer Fest whilst discussing how to mark its progress over the 10 years since it started.
CA members, supporters and event volunteers enjoyed the Annual CA dinner at the Community Centre in January. It’s a very nice, light hearted, semi-formal and reasonably priced event where people can get together and simply chat and have fun rather than being busy thinking about looking after those attending, the next event or what to fix at the Centre. This is helped by the BYO Drinks and meal being provided by Caterers.
The Annual Wise Owl Quiz is a fabulous format for anyone who enjoys pub quizzes, and socialising. Betty Wright and her family do a wonderful job by providing the Questions and the very well -oiled (as in slick not drunk) CA catering and events team supported by our specialists Chris Cole presenting the music round, Question Master, Lee Hayes, and Bill Holmes and Cathy Cole running the scoreboard After the wet, rain affected disappointing events of 2023, our late January 2024 Kick off event was a great event, raising around £1500 and providing a lot of fun. If you haven’t taken part… put the date in your diary for late January 2025! You won’t regret it.
By way of a big contrast, there is nothing like Live Theatre, particularly when it is performed in your own Community Centre. The Other Lives Production Company presented and performed ‘Around the World in 80 minutes’ in March. To be honest the CA volunteers who hosted the event were a bit apprehensive when the 3 performers arrived with no scenery and just an armful of props each, as to what it would be like – particularly as it was based on Jules Verne’s ‘Around the World in 80 Days’.
As it turned out, we had no need to worry! It was terrific! The performers and performance were so engaging that you didn’t notice that the backdrop was the Conservatory Double doors. The first half was a very informative, but witty performance about the history of travel. After the interval, the mesmerising performers recreated Jules Vernes story with such skill that it felt that you were actually watching the original film with memories of film shots of Egypt, India, America, the frantic journey across the Atlantic and the Reform Club providing an imaginary backdrop. It was excellent. Other Lives will be back at the Community Centre on October 27th to perform ‘How to be Brave’.
