The hall was decorated with Union Jacks and the tables had red, white and blue serviettes and Union Jacks as centre pieces. Rev’d Steve Reynolds was Master of Ceremonies for the evening which began with St John’s Choir, suitably attired in Victorian costume, leading everyone in a medley of Music Hall songs. Mrs Mary Arm caused much amusement by reading a piece entitled ‘Men’. Mr Alan Barnett, who was the pianist for the event, then delighted everyone with renditions of ‘Little Polly Perkins’ and ‘The Ballad of Bethnal Green’. This was followed by monologues, including the famous Albert and the Lion, recited by Mr Nick Rutter. The first half finished with The Unlikely Lads, George Green and Terry Croxall, playing guitars and leading everyone in more songs.

After an hour of singing the refreshments were gratefully received. These were prepared and served by Mrs Sandy Hobbs, Mrs Jan Barfoot and Mrs Rosemary Larkin appropriately dressed in Victoria attire.

In the second half of the evening the songs were from the later part of the 1900s. Who will forget The Unlikely Lads leading them in Elvis Presley’s ‘Wooden Heart’. Nick Rutter recited more monologues and Rev’d Leah Vasey-Saunders sang the Eva Cassidy version of ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’ and ‘Master of the House’ from Les Miserables. The evening drew to a close with the song ‘So long it’s been good to know you’ accompanied by much enthusiastic flag waving. By popular demand there was an extra song ‘I’m forever blowing bubbles’ which gave everyone the opportunity to blow bubbles.

After more than two hours everyone left for home having enjoyed an evening of fun and fellowship.

Many thanks.

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