The Theatre Visit Group has enjoyed a number of productions over the last two or three months. We were delighted that nearly 100 people travelled with us to see ‘Billy Elliot’ at The Palace Theatre, Manchester. Smaller groups than that came along to The Lowry, Salford to watch the Birmingham Royal Ballet perform ‘Cinderella’, and to The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester to enjoy a wonderful revival of the musical ‘Sweet Charity’. Did you know that a list of all our visits over the last four years or so can be found on the Church’s website? Just going back to the list brings back a lot of happy memories so when there is not much of value on the television you might want to.....!

The website also contains the very latest information about future visits and it is regularly updated. Of course, we also advertise in the local free magazines (when we can meet their deadlines) and we issue a newsletter every couple of months or so.

Not everyone who might be interested may know that this year, instead of a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon we are organising a visit to Theatre Clwyd at Mold as part of a three night/four-day break in North Wales. We will be staying at The Merrion Hotel which is beautifully located and enjoys an excellent reputation. There are still places available on this short break including some single rooms. Sharon Beck can give you further information on 01772 718741 or 07592 167700. The prices will include one half-day and one full-day excursion and dinner, bed and breakfast accommodation at a high standard. You will need to organise your own lunches to suit your taste and appetite. Good company, a bit of pampering and a good performance of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ may be just what you need. Saturday 20 May (departing around 10.00 am) to Tuesday 23 May (arriving home late afternoon).

The Church Council has thought very carefully about the way this group fits into the Church’s service to the community and made some revised arrangements to booking procedures and the costing of our visits. We have tried to consult widely, especially with those who have been regular theatregoers, and introduced any changes sensitively. Again, Sharon will be very happy to send you a copy of our most recent newsletter which explains everything in greater detail. Our overall wish, however, is to continue to organise these visits and indeed we are now considering one or two trips later in the year which would not involve theatre visits and might reduce the cost, which we constantly try to monitor.

Two ideas are currently under active consideration. One would be a visit to Chatsworth House in Derbyshire and the second is a sail on either Windermere or Ullswater. Perhaps you may have some thoughts about other places we could visit in the summer or winter and Sharon would like you to share them with her.

Thanks to everyone who supports these visits. We enjoy making the arrangements and enabling some folk to continue to enjoy their theatregoing experience and, in some cases, to see new shows or art forms for the first time. It is good too to make new friends and, sometimes, to renew old acquaintances.