Text Box: A SEASIDE STORY FOR BONFIRE DAY The beach was deserted and the tide was running out leaving seaweed and detritus stranded on the high tide line.  As it was the off season, the tractor had not been to clean the beach as it usually did during the holiday period. It was a grey day and several coach parties of elderly folk had arrived, and, having disembarked, were wondering what to do during the long day ahead.  Most had drifted to the shopping arcade or the amusement parks or were sipping coffee in the cafes while gazing at the cold grey sea. Everything seemed to be waiting.  No cheerful sounds came from the beach of children playing or parents calling.    A helicopter droned overhead and a few hardy souls shuffled along the promenade, well wrapped up against the  bitter wind and keen drizzle. The day dragged on and then - signs of activity on the beach!  Wood and other burnable stuff was being piled up and people started gathering to watch.  Ah yes, today was November the 5th, and a frisson of excitement seemed to come over the small crowd watching the proceedings on the sand.  A raft had appeared off shore and more activity could be seen.  And so it went on during the dreary afternoon. The day visitors began to drift away, and then the town seemed to change.  There was a different atmosphere among the newcomers filtering in and gradually people arrived with excited children.  Young and old together started to fill up the area around the unlit bonfire. More and more people appeared, some with push chairs and children hopping and jumping excitedly. What a           difference it was now after the misery of the dreary day.  Firework music was playing and excitement increased as the bonfire was lit and its cheerful sparkling flames lit up the dusk, now falling, along with the drizzly rain.  No way did it quell the feelings of the watching crowd.  Happy children with sparklers matched the dancing flames while anticipating the forthcoming firework display.  And then the first soaring rocket.  ‘Oohs’ and ‘aahs’ rose from the crowd, seeing it burst with a shower of coloured stars that one after another chased up into the dark blue night.  How the crowd cheered as the stars rained down into the sea, now still as a mill-pool, which reflected the brilliant colours.  Fountains of stars rose into the air, shimmered and then died to the groans of the audience, and then rainbows of light filled the space, glittering and crackling, creating shrieks of excitement from the watching boys and girls.   And then it was over and the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ eventually died down as all became still and dark again, except for the sparks of the dying bonfire.  Little groups of people drifted off to the crowd-swollen streets. Cars piled up on  crossings and roundabouts.  Then gradually peace settled down on the little town with its pleasant, quaint waterfront.  Finally, the drizzle became a shower, and then a cloudburst, which doused the now dying bonfire and sent all scuttling for shelter. So ended November the Fifth and once more  ‘gunpowder treason and plot’ was remembered by the loyal members of ‘THIS ENGLAND’. Written as an assignment for an October meeting of Creative Writing. Phyllis clarke,  member  

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Text Box:  THEATRE & OUTINGS GROUP After our successful trip to Bath, (see page 5), what’s in the pipeline for the autumn?  Well, going to see Bucks Fizz on September 23rd Weymouth Operatic Society presents “Oklahoma” - a perennial favourite.  This show is at the Weymouth Pavilion, and, as usual, there’s the opportunity to meet up for a meal beforehand. On November 4th, I hope to take a group to see the Old Tyme Players in Burley, in the New Forest.  This is always a wonderful afternoon, and includes a chance to explore Burley.  Our tickets include afternoon tea during the performance. Several members have asked me to try again to organise a trip to Winchester, and this is now planned for December 9th, to visit the Christmas Market.  More details later. As always, these outings can only take place if there is sufficient support from members to cover the cost of the coach. I need to have numbers well in advance, both to take up the ticket allocation from Weymouth pavilion, and to book transport. Ann mason, theatre & outings coordinator                                      Tel: (01305) 783002               Ann Mason, Theatre & Outings Coordinator.         Ann mason, theatre & outings coordinator                   Ann Mason, Theatre & Outings Coordinator.