Beech Village Hall & Recreation Ground
Social Report – Spring 2009
This year’s social calendar got off to a flying start in January, with a recital by Ensemble Champagne courtesy of Hampshire County Council’s Hog the Limelight initiative which brings professional entertainers to village halls. The easy camaraderie of this talented all-female string quartet made for a delightful afternoon which mixed old favourites with less familiar pieces and included an unexpectedly high level of audience participation. The music was complemented by a delicious afternoon tea organised by Helen Lamb.
On 14 February the hall was transformed for a Valentine’s Night party organised by Louise Stagg. After a four-course dinner, Peter Cox compèred a local version of TV quiz show Mr & Mrs, before everyone danced the night away in true Beech style!
March saw the ever-popular Quiz Night – not the annual Beech Challenge Cup Quiz (held in the autumn) but an equally enjoyable event organised by Peter and Sally Cox. The event was completely sold out and inter-team rivalry – while friendly – was intense!
The 2009 Beech Easter Egg Hunt took part on Easter Sunday; every child ‘won’ an egg and there was even a guest appearance by the Easter Bunny! The following weekend saw the return of Clive Greenaway, whose ‘Tommy Cooper Remembered’ show proved very popular last year, with an evening of comedy and magic. Although the audience was smaller than we had hoped, those who came thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were in stitches throughout.
Meanwhile, the Village Hall continues to open its doors to all comers on the last Friday of every month for the famous Beech Village Socials. With excellent home cooked food available and a bar serving beer and wine, it’s a recession-friendly way to meet up with neighbours and make new friends. If you haven’t come along yet, why not give it a go this month? Check the Diary for the date of the next one.
Wanted: helpers (paid & unpaid!)
The Village Hall Committee is actively trying to find ways to ease the workload involved in putting on events without compromising on quality or raising prices. Please let us know if:
- You are willing to help with food preparation (even just once a year);
- You know of a local company interested in catering such events (maximum budget £10 per head);
- And above all, if you know any local teenagers or students keen to earn extra cash through occasional washing up duties!
Beech Village website
You may have notice that we are trying to expand the information available on the village website. We have also been discussing adding short reports and/or photos of events (only with the approval of anyone named or pictured of course). Please let us know if you like this idea – or if you hate it!