Social Evening on Saturday 14th April at Penshaw Masonic Hall

It is several years since the Choir had a social evening and like all of these things it just needed someone to step for-

ward and offer to organise one. Malcolm was the man up for the job and he quickly got in touch with Chris at the

Penshaw Masonic Hall who could not have been more helpful. As a bonus he has invited us to sing for their members

and guests later in the year.

The venue had everything we needed, from ample parking to a lovely room and meal. We tried to arrange the

seating so that we mixed people who knew each other well with people who were perhaps less well known and as far

as I am aware this worked well. Most people from the Choir were able to attend and fifty nine people on nine tables

were easily accommodated leaving an ample area of the dance floor for dancing. Perhaps this could feature at the at

the next one.

After half an hour of socialising, during which Keith took photos, the meal was served. The waiters did an efficient job

of getting the food to the tables while it was still hot and the food seemed to be enjoyed by all. Several people were

heard to comment particularly about the excellent roast beef!

Thanks to Malcolm and Eileen for organising the raffle which made a profit of just less than £58.

Charles acted as our ‘emcee’, though I think I prefer the older M.C., and he was soon introducing the first act of our

after dinner entertainment. Ken got us off to a good start with a lovely rendition of ‘Streets of London’ which he ac-

companied with his guitar. Soon everybody was joining in the chorus and we were off to a good start.

Brian was up next. We all know that he can sing but did we know that he is a master of modern technology? I think

not, but he produce a tiny magic box which under his skilled hands produce a full orchestral accompaniment for ‘Lady

In Red’ and ‘Sometimes When We Touch.’ Another winning performance which had everybody quietly singing along.

Ross and I had decided to ‘do a turn’ (showing my age) and that the only way to go was for comedy and to ham it up.

We chose two songs. Ross went for ‘The Bricklayer’s Lament’ and his donning of bandages, sling and walking stick

had everybody laughing. I had chosen ‘When Father Painted the Parlour’ and dressed accordingly. At our first re-

hearsal we soon realised that the tunes for the two songs are so similar that once one is in your head it is very diffi-

cult to switch to the other. We did not think that that would matter as it would just add to the image we were trying

to put over. Suffice it to say that Ross was wonderful as the hapless brickie and both songs got a few laughs.

We then came to, what was for me, the highlight of the show. Noel came on stage, walking stick in hand, in a Chap-

linesque manner and then stood and delivered the most wonderful monologue which told the story of a perfect

afternoon spent by the Venerable Bede translating the Bible into Mackam (as a Tyke I am not sure that I have spelled

that reet). The images he conjured of Goliath, David and the Lambton Worm were priceless and brought the house

down.

How do you follow that? Martin of course was up for the task and with two chairs to simulate the front seats of a car

he began his own monologue about the driving instructor which, of course, had us all thinking of Mike. As you would

expect his timing was spot on and he soon had everybody laughing.

Thanks again to those who helped to make the evening such a success. It was the talk of Beamish on Sunday morning

and there certainly seems to be interest in having social evenings on a more regular basis.

Keith Riley–Gledhill

Each picture has a number in the top left corner.

To raise money for the Bobby Robson Foundation, in memory of our late President Bobby Jobson,

copies in postcard size (4” x 6”) can be ordered at £1 each. Orders with cash to Keith please.