Crowds turn up to enjoy Wyke Wordplay evening (From Dorset Echo)

Crowds turn up to enjoy Wyke Wordplay evening

3:15pm Wednesday 15th December 2010 in Community

• DESPITE it being the coldest November night on record, a huge audience gathered in the Memorial Hall in Wyke for Wordplay, an interesting collection of music and readings shared by over 80 people. Richard Shoulders, not wanting to be outdone by his talented children Rebecca and Ethan who had earlier sung and played the piano beautifully, gave a rousing rendition of the Tom Lehrer’s classic “A Christmas Carol”.

Angela Whelton gave a mix of funny and moving readings. The first half came to a rousing conclusion with Lucy ‘Toots’ Hamilton on clarinet and Pete ‘cake’ Milson on guitar, proving themselves jazz musicians par excellence. Mulled wine in the interval helped stave off the cold, whilst the raffle did brisk business too. Thanks to Daniels Fish and Chips, The Marquis of Granby and Value House for the prizes. Michael’s Wheller’s reading raised some smiles and Sophie Eastwood ‘s performance of “I dreamed a dream” and “ Have yourself a merrily little Christmas “ were a special treat. The evening ended with a grand finale from Nunsuch – members of All Saints and St Edmunds Church Choirs - singing the 23rd Psalm and then “I will follow him”. The organisers are grateful to everyone who supported the evening and to Michael Wheller for putting together such a terrific programme. Lots of money was raised for the Hall Refurbishment Fund.

• IT MAY have been a cold and frosty Monday night outside in Wyke Regis but inside the Wyke Smugglers there was warmth and hilarity at the monthly meeting of the newly formed Spirit of Wyke WI.

Members were introduced to the art of Salsa dancing instructed by Terrence.

President Korah Hughes said "It was lovely to see all the members joining in, meeting new friends and enjoying a very sociable evening."

The group meets on the first Monday of each month. However, in January 2011 the meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 4 at 7.30pm because of the bank holiday.

• MEMBERS, friends and representatives from other local WIs enjoyed good company and tasty food at the Wyke Regis WI Christmas Tea party. All the cakes were home-made as is expected at a WI event. It was an excellent start to Christmas festivities.

• The Society for the Protection of Markham and Little Francis appreciated the support they received at their stall at Wyke Christmas, when well over £300 was raised towards the legal expenses incurred by their campaign for the town green.

• CHRISTMAS services at St. Paul's, Abbotsbury Road, include Christingle at 4pm, Carols by Candlelight at 7pm and Midnight Mass 11.30pm, all on Christmas Eve; Family Eucharist at 10.30am on Christmas Day; The Holy Family Eucharist at 10.30am on Boxing Day and the Epiphany Procession of the Wise Men celebrated at a Family Eucharist at 10.30am on Sunday, January 2. A warm welcome is extended to everyone.