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 Members of the Rotary Club of Amersham directed by Rotarian John Fox, hosted and staged the 18th Annual Senior Citizens Variety Performance at the Drake Hall in Amersham on Saturday 17th January 2009
The idea conceived by Rotarian John Stephenson was to provide free entertainment and tea in January when entertainment wanes after Christmas and when a couple of hours of fun, warmth and nourishment are a welcome distraction. Such was the positive result of the exercise that the event is always oversubscribed. This year’s flu and other ailments resulted in all who applied being accommodated – just! 146 guests enjoyed the performance. This comprised 24 items in a two-hour show plus tea, sandwiches, cakes and a free mammoth raffle during the interval.
 Entertainers taking part included several members of Chesham Musical Theatre Company, ‘resident’ comedian par excellence Bryn Neal, popular local GP to a large percentage of the audience, the highly professional students of the Taylor-Hill School of Dancing and members of Amersham Rotary Club performing comedy sketches and song. Eleven Rotarians sing in local choirs regularly.
Transport was provided by Rotarians plus mini-buses kindly loaned by Dial-A-Ride and Age Concern.
This year’s show was dedicated to Rotarian John Harding, well-loved member and Amersham solicitor who very sadly and suddenly passed away in November. For many years John organised the transport arrangements for the event and was well known for this amongst the audience. The announcement of this dedication was received with sympathy and unanimous approval.
Mention has to be made of the brilliant support of the event by Drake Hall Manager, Angela Bates, who backs the show 100% with her support in its presentation and production. Angela covers the ‘extra mile’ with ease.
By John Fox, Rotary Club of Amersham
Photographs of the show can be viewed on the District Website Gallery .
In addition a short video clip of the show can be viewed on ‘You Tube’
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mF-8cKPhsQ
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