Kevin Pilmer's presentation of historical slides of the Lophams and surrounding area at the Lopham Ladies' open meeting was a great success. A good 60 people enjoyed the show, some were able to identify relatives in the pictures, some of which were around 100 years old, and several were able to add to the background knowledge. A vote of thanks was given by Peter Reeder to Kevin, to Richard Vere for helping with the commentary and especially to Lophams' Ladies for organising the event and supplying refreshments.
The Great Lophams Bonfire and Fireworks were blessed with dry, if cold, weather and a good crowd of spectators. The hot food proved very popular while an unfortunate technical problem caused a delay to the start of the display. Once it began, a dazzling variety of firework effects, lasting almost 30 minutes, entertained young and old alike, even seasoned watchers were favourably impressed. Our thanks to the pyrotechnics crew, who seemed to enjoy it all as much as anyone, and to all the volunteers who helped both before and during the event.
The Ceilidh on 30th October was attended by well over 50 people whose enthusiasm for dancing, encouraged by the lively music of the excellent 'Deneside Ramblers', made up for a certain lack of skill! There was an abundance of good food and high spirits which made for a successful event raising much needed funds for RUFUS.
Winston the Singing Farmer entertained 80 people on 25th September with a mixture of jokes, good humoured songs and Norfolk tales that could be enjoyed by all; delivered with a mischievous twinkle of the eye and an infectious grin. Winston demonstrated considerable musical skill and his interpretation of a steam train was particularly fine, simaltaneously using vocals, harmonica and guitar to great effect. Overall, it was an excellent show.
The Aministrative Trustees Open Meeting was held at the hall on 26th June. To get your copy of the Report and Accounts, click on Reports.
Mad and Merry Monarchs by the Mad Dogs and Englishmen Theatre Company proved a great success. True to their word, the company led a near capacity audience through 1,000 years of English history in about 90 minutes, from the battle of Hastings to the present day. The work rate of the cast was phenomenal and the audience was not allowed to relax either, providing sound effects for the battle of Agincourt and a slightly reluctant Sir Thomas Moore to be struck down at Canterbury Cathedral; fortunately the axe was not real! It was interesting to see the 'rapping' skills of some of our early monarchs and to learn that Shakespeare did not invent cricket after all. A thoroughly enjoyable evening's entertainment.
3rd May: Garden and Craft Fayre
The weather was fine, if a bit too windy for the comfort of the outside vendors and a good number of visitors came to the event. There were a variety of stalls selling craft products, cakes, preserves and plants. A painting demonstration and a biscuit decorating activity for the children added to the interest. Teas, coffees and light refreshments were served through the afternoon by volunteers. Entertainment was provided while the visitors circulated among the stalls by a brass band, which played a variety of music, and a drumming group.
