Tuesday Group June & July

Tuesday Group June & July 2019 Report – Barbara Lancey A little late in reporting, but rest assured the Tuesday Group has continued to be busy over the last few months.

In June, we had a change to the original programme, and welcomed Francis Burroughs who gave a talk and presentation entitled "Don't put your daughter on the stage!", it was an intriguing insight to the theatrical arena.

Having begun his presentation by 'singing' 'Don't Put Your Daughter on the Stage Mrs Worthington...', Francis explained how his involvement in the theatre developed. Francis has produced or conducted over two hundred Amateur Operatic productions, and as his talk progressed, it became very apparent that not all the drama happens on stage. Amongst other events, he recounted hilarious tales involving such as an orange wig, a donkey and a fire siren.

Historically, he explained, amateur productions used hayricks from farms and a rick cloth on an earth floor for the stage, so dry weather was always preferable. A huge tarpaulin was hung between men and women performers for changing costumes, hired from either London Wardrobe or St Mary's in Bath. Francis played a 1927 recording of The English Rose of quite exceptional quality, considering it was made by standing in front of a big horn. He played a later recording of Richard Tauber singing Vivo, which used an electric microphone, the improved quality evident.

With a final hilarious anecdote, Francis concluded his presentation, and I think everyone enjoyed the evening.

July brought us all together for our annual Garden Party, this year beautifully hosted by Gay Pocock. The evening was a great success, with well over 40 members and guests present enjoying a lovely warm evening, delicious food, copious amounts of 'liquid' and great company. There was definitely a buzz about it.

The Tuesday Group is a ladies social group drawing from Drayton, Curry Rivel, Muchelney, Fivehead, Langport and beyond, and meets on the third Tuesday each month at 7.30 pm in the Drayton Village Hall. Annual membership is only £10, or come and try for a guest fee of just £2.50 per meeting. For further information please contact either Barbara Lancey on 01458 252657, email barbaralancey@hotmail.com, or Jean Padfield on 01458 253948, email jeanpadfield2002@yahoo.co.uk.