The ODN festival is over for 2008 and our group once again finished in a blaze of glory with the play ‘In Two Minds’ being called back for the gala performance on the Saturday night - congratulations to Andrea Spencer and Kate Belcher who not only acted in and directed the play but also wrote it. Bear in mind here that this is the third or fourth time in a row a KBDG offering has featured in the Saturday call, back. Well done all concerned.

I missed last weeks club night and the reading of ‘Accrington Pals’ by Peter Whelan.
The play is about the people who lost so much during the First World War. The innocent soldiers who left to fight for their country and those left behind to grieve for them. The play is based on the real life tragedy of The Accrington Pals, and as we are looking for a play for November, the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War, I hope we give this play serious consideration.

Last night we read a play called ‘Getting Scrap Value’. The play was really good and featured in this years ODN festival I believe, but the excessive use of bad language just amazes me in modern plays. I mean b****r me I swear sometimes but good grief….It must be me.
Then we read part of ‘Absent Friends’ by Alan Ayckbourn. The plot is very simple, five friends invite a friend to tea-Colin has just lost his fiancé, Carol, who drowned a few months ago. John doesn't mind Paul having an affair with his wife Evelyn, as it is good for business…etc you get the picture. Typically Ayckbourn-great stuff.

Being of nearly senior years and considered by few to be some kind of sage, I was asked to include in my blog an advice section and so here is my first letter:

Dear Am Dram Man: I hope you can help me here. The other day I set off for work leaving my husband in the house watching the TV as usual. I hadn't gone more than a mile down the road when my engine conked out and the car shuddered to a halt. I walked back home to get my husband's help. When I got home I couldn't believe my eyes. He was in our bedroom with the neighbour lady. I am 32, my husband is 34, and we have been married for twelve years.
When I confronted him, he broke down and admitted that they had been having an affair for the past six months. I told him to stop or I would leave him. He was let go from his job six months ago, and he says he has been feeling increasingly depressed and worthless. I love him very much but ever since I gave him the ultimatum he has become increasingly distant. He won't go to counselling and I'm afraid I can't get through to him anymore. Can you please help?
Sincerely, Jane

Dear Jane: A car stalling after being driven a short distance can be caused by a variety of faults with the engine. Start by checking that there is no debris in the fuel line. If it is clear, check the vacuum pipes and hoses on the intake manifold and also check all grounding wires. If none of these approaches solves the problem, it could be that the fuel pump itself is faulty, causing low delivery pressure to the carburetor float chamber.

I hope this helps.
Am Dram Man