Rehearsals continue on ‘Still Life’ with a makeshift set as plans are formed to turn the village hall stage into a replica of Carnforth railway station over the next few weeks. Brief Encounter is one of my all time favourite films so it’s a labour of love rehearsing this time.

Soon it will be books down, picking props up and donning the relevant costumes. Can’t wait to get the ticket collector’s outfit on, I always did have a thing about uniforms. Also like many men who never did quite grow up I like trains so this play really is just the ticket (get it?).

On to other things a Special General Meeting was held recently to discuss the position of us having no Chairman. Remember the talented Kate resigned due to ill health but now has decided to continue in the role for a short while. Good news. She is however taking a sabbatical and, health permitting, will be returning to her role in January. In the meantime our own Mike Lacey is standing in as Acting Chair.

Final plans have been made for our oldies weekend away in Eastbourne (had to be Eastbourne didn’t it!). Eight intrepid travellers all present or ex-thespians will venture over the South Downs, avoiding Beachy Head and no doubt have a ball if last year is anything to go by. It is a pity the main body of the group no longer come along but there yer go.

I will of course give a full report including coverage of what Old Chuffer gets up to in a future blog.

True story of the week is as follows: A young law student from the outback in Queensland goes off to university, but before he gets halfway through the semester, he has foolishly squandered all his money.He calls home: "Dad, you won't believe what modern education is developing. They actually have a programme here in Brisbane that will teach our dog, Ol' Blue, how to talk."That's amazing," his dad says, "how do I get Ol' Blue into that programme?""Just send him down here with $2 000 and I'll get him in the course," the young lad says.His father sends the dog and $2 000.

About two-thirds through the semester, the money runs out again. The boy calls home."So how's Ol' Blue doing, son?" his father asks."Awesome, Dad, he's talking up a storm. But you just won't believe this. They've had such good results with talking, they've begun to teach the animals how to read," says the boy."Read? No kidding. How do we get Ol' Blue into that programme?" asks his dad."Just send $4 500. I'll get him in the class," the boy says.

The money promptly arrives.But our hero has a problem. At the end of the year, his father will find out the dog can neither talk nor read. So he shoots the dog.

When he arrives home at the end of the year, his father is all excited."Where's Ol' Blue? I just can't wait to talk with him, and see him read something," says the father."Dad," the boy says, "I have some grim news. Yesterday morning Ol'Blue was in the living room, relaxing in the recliner, reading the Wall Street Journal then he suddenly turned to me and asked: 'So, is your daddy still sleeping with that little redhead barmaid at the pub?'

"The father groans and whispers: "I hope you shot the swine before he talks to your mother."

"I sure did, Dad."

"That's my boy."

The son went on to be a successful lawyer.