The committee meeting last night seemed like a board meeting at ICI with talk of CRB checks and then electrical testing regulations for our lights and apparatus and such. Well in view of the horrendous number of thespians electrocuted every year on stage I can see why all this is so important. I rather think it’s all part of Gordon Brown’s 600,000 pen pushers he’s employed over the last ten years to keep the unemployed numbers down. Is it me?

Anyway after someone woke me up when the regulation talk had finished, it turned out to be a good meeting. The talented Kate was in fine fettle keeping order over the proceedings and the divine Emily carped on as ever about the length of the minutes she had to type out. The Petticoat line was in full force with Susi throwing in her thoughts and Sally looking sad ‘cos as the Social Secretary she can’t get anyone excited about doing anything social. Well they are going to see ‘Noises Off’ at the Playhouse anon but the Aunt Sally (no relation) evening and the BBQ has bitten the dust. Shame the annual BBQ used to be a great occasion with pig roasts, great merrymaking, jousting, archery the odd human sacrifice…or am I thinking of something else?

Keen readers will know that a social splinter group has been formed and a break out to Bournemouth is on the cards plus a visit to see ‘allo, ‘allo this very evening, a sharp in depth critical analysis of which will appear next week.

I am keen on the social side for lots of reasons, as I have covered in the past. I think it is important for group members to meet outside of rehearsals plus when a play is being rehearsed the only members you meet are the others in the cast. The rest of the group tread water until the play nights.

Our current play in rehearsal ‘The Accrington Pals’ seems to be going well. It is early days but it’s shaping up already. This really is a different play for us, as I’ve said before, we are partly putting it on as this November is the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War. A moment in time I for one think should be recognised and remembered with due respect.

Our annual dinner has been booked and a menu specially cobbled together. I will have to sell something to afford to attend but a good night is assured. A disco was suggested…..yes I know…a disco!.. The divine Emily lost a few points by reminding me how old I was and that the younger ones might like a disco…good grief. I reckon a good harpist can’t be beaten you know.

Finally, a friend offered me a brand new 38in HD ready TV the other day for £100. The only problem is that the volume control is broken. I thought, for that money, I can't turn it down!