• I DROPPED in to watch some of the youngsters from the Preston Pantomime Kids (PPK) rehearsing for their forthcoming pantomime on Friday, 27 June and Saturday, 28 June in the village hall.

This time they have chosen Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs', which is a script full of humour, pathos, slapstick and fun (I only say this because I know who wrote it, but modesty prevents me telling you who that is).

The chorus were being put through their paces by those two stalwarts of pantomime in Preston, Julie Pardoe and Lynn Goodchild, assisted by Lyndsey, who although still only a youngster herself, is already a veteran of a number of past pantomimes. The production team also includes Roxanne Moss, Jenny Seys and Margaret Sibley. The performers were practising a Sailor's Hornpipe dance, which got faster and faster towards its end, and after running through it 5 times, exhaustion set in - and I was only watching!

The principals comprise Daniel Skinner as Baron Stoneybroke, Danielle Luke as Snow White, Christopher Goodwin as Quasimodo (a part I remember well), Verity Witt as Queen Vexilla, Emma Taylor as the Mirror, Annabel Lane as Prince Rupert, Christopher Cole as the Dame, Nurse Matilda. With Peter, Paul and Mary played by Fran Guaracci, Anna Hope and Olivia Wilkes respectively.

There are over 30 taking part, and was heartwarming to see the dedication, concentration and sheer hard work that the kids were putting into their rehearsal. You can get your tickets by ringing Julie on 837289 or Lynn on 834410.

  • JOY Winwood reports that the last meeting of the Sutton Poyntz Village WI was the first for new President, Mrs Valerie Stevens, who introduced her committee. Chris Russel, delegate to the Spring Council meeting at Poole, reported back to the members on the meeting, including the two resolutions to be voted upon at the WI AGM in Liverpool. In her talk, Lesley Benham, team leader at the Melcome Day Hospital, described how the hospital had developed to become a therapeutic facility where those attending felt valued and motivated. The flower competition was won by Jill Clark's lewisia. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 4 June in the Mission Hall at 2.15pm
  • ST ANDREW'S School in Littlemoor Road will be holding their summer fete on Saturday, 14 June between 1pm and 4pm in the lovely school grounds. Attractions will include fire engine rides, mini steam train rides, a bouncy castle, crazy golf, a coconut shy, supersoaker, dancing displays and for sale there will be plants, crafts, hot dogs, beer, cakes, ice creams, candy floss, refreshments, and lots of fun "win a prize every time" stalls.

There will also be a grand raffle, tombolas and a children's raffle. There really is something for all the family, and it costs just 50p for adults - accompanied children get in for nothing, and parking is free. Everyone is very welcome, and from past experience it really is an afternoon to remember, so make sure you go along and support your local school.