Last updated at 21:22, Friday, 05 March 2010

THE Northumberland Theatre Company managed to pull off that almost impossible feat, to present a play that was funny, while at the same time giving you lots of important things to think about.

With just five actors and someone on lights and sound the company presented a packed Town Hall with no fewer than 12 characters in the fictional village of Aldale.

A Village Life is based on conversations that the writer, Mary Cooper, had with local people in the North-East during 2009.

Moments of hilarity were mixed with extreme tension – everyone must have felt the loneliness of the farmer struggling to keep his farm viable – and there were opportunities to smile as well, at the “Wellburn-Tofts”, the lord of the manor and his very posh wife.

I’m afraid this report can’t do justice to the piece itself, or to the performances of the actors.

If you missed the show I can only recommend that you try to see it at Newbrough Town Hall on March 26.

With regard to our own performance in the hall last weekend, I can report, that thanks to the bar, raffle and a full house, the Town Hall committee made a small profit.

THE school field was also the scene of much activity, when a group of parents, children and one or two school staff created a brand new school vegetable garden.

Thanks to the generous support of Johnson Controls in Washington, where one of the parents works, all the materials for the vegetable garden – fencing, boards for raised beds and geo textiles to keep the weeds down – was paid for through their Blue Sky Initiative.

Over the next few months the beds will be planted up and the hope is that some of the vegetables will be ready for the summer holidays.

You might even see an entry or two in the leek show in September.

I understand the children are already excited about growing their own vegetables.

IF you missed the bingo this week, or you fancy another go, head for the Town Hall on Tuesday, March 9 for a bingo night in aid of St Michael’s Church.

Most of you will know the form; just turn up by 7.30pm when the fun starts.

FINALLY, a quick word about the Stonehaugh community hall.

Firstly, there will be an election to select committee members as ten people have put their names forward to fill five vacancies.

All residents over the age of 18 living in the parish of Wark are eligible to vote. To get an election form contact Anne Bulman on (01434) 230624 or Wark Parish Council.

Forms need to be returned by Wednesday, March 10.

Secondly, the community hall will be officially opened on Friday, March 26. More details will follow later this month.

First published at 09:45, Friday, 05 March 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk