An evening to be proud of.

The hall was decorated in the style of a street party. Red, white and blue bunting, together with Union Jack’s and ribbons everywhere. Even the table decorations carried on the theme. It was certainly a splendid sight.

The Mayor of Eastleigh, Jane Welsh, had organised an Old Time Music Hall evening with fish and chip supper, and the New Music Makers provided the entertainment.

In true “The Good Old Days “ style the master of ceremonies wielded his gavel – making us jump nearly every time – and introduced each item with well written rhetoric and enthusiasm. Beau Regarde (Chris Kellaway) stepped in to the breach at the eleventh hour when the original MC was taken ill. Fortunately Tom Rodaway had done a lot of work on the introductions which made the task for “Beau” easier.

We had solos and duets full of laughter, pathos, decadence, debauchery and even forgetfulness, all splendidly performed by a cast with such names as Carmen Verandah, Buttercup Meadows, Abi Downton and Third Officer Aloysius Pickles, to mention but a few.

At the start of the second half several members of the choir joined the cast on stage to perform ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’ and a medley called ‘Old Time Religion’ and these were received with much appreciation from the audience.

The accompanist, Mr Ivor E Tinkler (Chris Allison) ably assisted by his daughter kept everything flowing on time and in tune.

Costumes were mainly provided by Lin Kellaway although some people were in “home-grown’ but generally everyone entered into the spirit of the evening.

A sum of over £600.00 was raised for the Mayor’ three charities and Jane was absolutely delighted with the efforts of Lin in putting the evening together, arranging for the bunting and decorations and for organising the team for the decorating of the hall.

Mention must, however, be made of the audience who were fabulous, joining in with the singing and responding with the “oooh’s” and “aaah’s” in all the right places. The singing of “Land of Hope and Glory” accompanied by much waving of the Union Jack, brought the evening to a fabulous conclusion.