Weekend Extra - 5th April 03

The Village Hall provided the venue for two events - the brainchild of Michael Trolove - on Saturday. In the afternoon the hall was filled with groups and societies all wishing to promote themselves to a wider audience and in the evening Patrick Ellis shared his enthusiasm for the history of Great Gidding with a slide show and talk.

About 20 local bodies were represented - from growing the biggest marrow (Village Produce Show) through to growing the village (Parish Plan). It was an excellent opportunity to see what various clubs and societies have to offer as well as meeting the faces behind the names.

Artefacts and bones unearthed on the Transco pipeline dig were on display and David Shepherd had cine film running of the May Fayre parade along Main Street in 1981 which was fascinating to watch. A few people were able to spot some local faces - albeit looking a tad younger!!

Local historian and author Patrick Ellis was a big draw during the afternoon with his wonderful collection of photos and information about the Giddings and in the evening the audience was treated to slides and a talk, firstly explaining the open field system of farming with fascinating explanations of the naming of furlongs, followed by examples of Patrick's super sleuthing ability to painstakingly tie snippets of information together and come up with a cohesive study of who lived where and when.

Both events were very enjoyable and very well attended. A special mention must be made for all the folk behind the scenes who made the event run so smoothly and for the wonderful cakes and teas in the afternoon and cheese and wine in the evening.

A full list of all the groups who attended, with contact details, is on this website under the heading Clubs & Societies. Please contact them for more information.

Krystyna, April 2003 Top

Great Gidding Wizard of Oz Panto - 21st March 03

The Wizard of Oz is a story which has captured the imagination of children and adults alike for decades. Remarkably, there are web sites covering absolutely everything you could ever want to know about the story and far more. Commercially it continues to evolve books, movies, plays, videos, toys, games, conventions and an international fan club following.

I can see no reason why The Gidding Players cannot follow this commercially viable 'yellow brick road'. It is time to THINK BIG ! You already have a loyal (and elite) band of followers who continue to be amazed by the film-a-like casting and oscar-winning performances BY YOU ALL. The attention to detail in the costume department was excellent and a special mention to the special effects team who created a believable 'twister', a flashing Wizard of Oz (all done in the best possible taste!) and a wicked witch who literally disappeared in front of our eyes. All taking place within the confines of the Village Hall.

As with last year's production you made The Wizard of Oz your very own by weaving through local village rivalry, special mentions, a Benny Hill style chase (which is still making me smile) and even a scene from last year's show !

Confused ? Well, what did it all mean ?

It means you have a theatre company with the 'brains' to put this challenging production together, the 'courage' to get up on stage to perform it and be actively involved in the 'heart' of your community.

Of course, it also means that the ticket prices next year will go up, special mentions will have to be sponsored and no one will be able to leave without buying the 'original soundtrack available in the foyer'. Can't wait !

Written by Catherine Jones (A visiting thespian from beyond Winwick)

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz - Friday 21st March

The panto is now behind you - oh yes it is - and what a wizard panto it was. Every year it just gets better. Professional performances, wonderful costumes and (ahem) rather good scenery all contributed to an evening to make the director proud.

It began with a wickedly good performance from Giddings own Olivier, John DeVal, that had the children on the front row running screaming back to their parents (and quite right too!). Then the farmyard scene brought on our four principal characters in rather fetching local yokel outfits. Time for a bit of raucous laughter as Zeke (Andrew Underwood) attempted to milk the bullocks then later onto frenetic whirlwind sounds that took our little Dorothy (Michelle McGregor) to the mystical and magical Winnickinland where the beautiful good witch Glenda (from Glatton apparently) and the charming Winnickins sent Dotty off to see the wizard...the wonderful wizard of Oz. Collecting along her way one well stuffed scarecrow (Ian Stapleton), one tin woman - played to perfection by Deni Darke dressed lavishly in a Jean-Paul Gautier little tin number - and one cowardly lion (A.U. again) but with with a roar that filled the Village Hall and beyond!
Shep shone throughout the panto firstly as the drawling Texan Professor Marvel and later as the wonderful Wizard - getting only slightly confused along the way when he made a brief appearance as Cinderella's herald - but it happens to us all....
A wonderful climax saw all of our intrepid heroes reaping their rewards from the Wizard and it was way too soon that Dorothy found her way back home to be reunited with Aunty Em, Uncle Henry and Toto (played flawlessly by the line perfect Dave).
A mention must be made of the all round quality of the entire cast and production, professional direction, lighting, sound, props, etc. And with a bite to eat and a glass of wine - what more could one wish for.

Krystyna & Paul, March 2003 Top

'My Trip To Southern India - A Very Special Place' – Rachel Giddens

In January I visited Southern India as a volunteer with 'Aidcamps International'. I had no idea what to expect as this was not only my first visit to India, but as a volunteer too.

I and 19 other volunteers were extremely touched by the hospitality of our hosts and all the people we met on our 3 week project. We were the guests of a charity called SCAD, (Social Change and Development). SCAD is a truly remarkable organisation, which sets out to change the lives of 250,000 of India's poorest people and reaches into 350 villages. These people work in the salt-pans, may have leprosy, some are gypsies, some work down quarries and all live in grinding poverty.

SCAD empowers them to set and achieve goals, such as gaining water supplies, providing education, medical supplies, helps to set-up women's groups, with saving schemes and credit unions. People are also helped with farming and other rural businesses.

The campus where we stayed was very impressive with a residential school for 80 special needs children, most of whom were polio victims, a polytechnic, an industrial training college and an engineering college and a community college.

The special needs school was where we did most of our work. It had a new extension, (built with our donations – money goes a long way here!), so needed painting inside and out and lots of general tidying before the children could use it. We were lucky to have an artist amongst our group, so we decided with his skills to paint a wonderful 'jungle scene' mural around the interior of the rather dull building. This was well received by the children, who had never seen anything quite like this before!

All the equipment in the handicapped children's school was very basic and by our standards very outdated. In fact in our country we turn out equipment that would be very valuable to these children and their therapists. It is hoped that we will be able to ship out 'outdated' equipment to these children, as we have contacts who are prepared to donate to us, but our main problem is the cost of shipping. I would be grateful if anyone feels able to donate a small amount to this cause and I can pass donations on to an English sister charity 'Salt of the Earth', who guarantee that every penny will go where its needed.

The most impressive thing that I have been left with from this visit is the warmth of the people. It doesn't matter how poor they are, they all have very full and kindly smiles and their hearts are very large and open. To them their family is paramount, the community is so very important and great care is taken over everyone, however old and frail they may be. These people have absolutely nothing material, by our western standards, but in some ways I felt they had so much more than us. We seem to be loosing so much in our fast, hectic society. The whole experience has certainly made me question what's important to me and how I can relate this in my life.

If you would like to donate to this cause, I can be contacted 01832 293277, or if you would simply like to find out more about my trip do call.

I will be putting some photos in St Michael's Church and hope to put an Indian event on before too long, keep an eye on the website for more details.

Rachel Giddens March 2003 Top

Jubilee Wood - Planting Progress

What marvelous weekends. The weather was kind; planting conditons perfect; trees delivered in good time and helpers turned out in large numbers. The result is that we planted all of the 1,255 trees and shrubs - far better than I could have ever hoped for. A big thanks to all who helped out. It was particularly good to see so many youngsters come to help.

Tree Donations
A lot of people have already offered to donate to the scheme and reserved spaces are being taken up fast. However there is still plenty of time to donate if you would like to do so. Donations can be made at two levels. If you wish to make a monetary contribution it is suggested that £5 or £10 will help. This money can then go towards future maintenance costs.

Alternatively some may wish to donate a tree - perhaps plant it even. I have arranged to purchase some slightly more mature container grown trees with mulch mats, tree guards and stakes for £25 each. All trees donated will be code tagged and recorded in a permanent record for posterity. Space will be provided alongside the internal footpaths for planting donated trees. These can be planted at a later stage. Individuals can request more or less whatever type of tree that they wish but it is suggested that we should aim for good autumn or spring colours and recommended species are Silver Birch, Autumn Cherry, Flowering Cherry, Flowering Crab Apple, Rowan, Laburnum, Acacia or Purple Beech.

For more information contact Tony Scott – tel: 293385 email: tonyscott.greatgidding@tinyworld.co.uk

Tony Scott March 2003 Top

Parish Plan Update

We are pleased to announce that Great and Little Gidding are now registered with The Countryside Agency as intending to form a Parish Plan.

What is it and why are we doing it, you may ask, and quite rightly so?

Parish Plans are a new initiative and it is hoped that they will influence a wide range of organisations that provide services to rural communities. It's a document which should outline how the community sees itself developing over the next few years and should have input from all ages and individuals. Everyone will get a chance to have their say about social, economic and environmental issues which are affecting them in village, and also their hopes and vision for the future of the community. That is why every household will be receiving a questionnaire (which will also be available online - more info soon) in a few weeks time, asking your opinions on such wide ranging issues as traffic, health care, housing, education and much, much more. The Giddings website will also have a dedicated Parish Plan section to keep you updated with the latest information.

It's important that the whole community is involved in this project so please take the time to fill out the questionnaire, and if this is difficult for you, arrangements can be made for someone to help you. This is our opportunity to tell the planners of services exactly what we want for our villages and it's up to us to decide what is important in our community. A Steering Committee has already been set up and their job will be to do the detailed planning and co-ordination of the project, but more volunteers would be very welcome as it is a large task to take on. Has anyone got a few hours to spare to help with administrative work, distribution, publicity or even foot or pedal power please?

The following are members of the Steering Committee; so if you would like more information, please contact one of them, as they would be happy to hear from you.

Peter Comeau Tel 293236 or email pjcomeau@ntlworld.com
Sue Jarvis Tel 293271 or email Jartrap@aol.com
Lois and Bruce Jordan Tel 293178 or email jordan@newsurf.net
Ian Stapleton Tel 293463
Julie Trolove Tel 293598 or email michael.trolove@dial.pipex.com

Sue Jarvis January 2003 Top

L & A Committee and Village Hall Committee to combine

The Parish Council has asked the L & A Committee to take over the management of the village hall and the intention is to combine these two committees into one. However, this is not as straightforward as it sounds, as currently they are 2 separately registered charities so amalgamation may take a little time and they continue to run as two separate organisations.

In the meantime, it's business as usual, and the new and old members of the Village Hall committee are striving to ensure that the changeover is as smooth as possible. For the time being, bookings continue to be taken by David Lord on Tel 293296, and we are pleased to welcome Anna Gore as the new clerk to the committees.

The L & A Committee will continue to ensure that the Recreational Field facilities are maintained and available for village use and should you wish to reserve the pitch area for a specific use, please contact Patrick Jarvis on Tel. 293271 (email Jartrap@aol.com) . They continue to organise events and more information on a Spring weekend of events will follow shortly.

January 2003 Top

Great Gidding Christmas Fair

Saturday November 23rd saw the first ever Great Gidding Christmas Fair in the village hall. A wonderful atmosphere (helped along by Andrew's delicious mulled wine!) with a wonderful selection of crafts proved to be a huge hit with the numerous visitors. Look forward to next year's!

Paul and Krystyna.

November 2002 Top

HISTORY PROJECTS - Patrick Ellis reports on Progress & Plans

Following publication of A Millennium History of Great Gidding in March 2001, we have now sold about 250 copies to as far a-field as Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada. It is rumoured that copies have even reached Winwick. We still have some 100 copies - so why not solve your present problems by buying an extra copy for your children or grand-children? The Great Gidding shop has copies.

With the help of an award from the Huntingdonshire Local History Society's Goodliff fund, two CDs have been produced : * CD1 contains records including all the Census returns from 1841 to 1901, Parish Registers, Churchyard Survey, and other village lists from 1327 onwards of surveys, taxes, village officers etc. Comprehensive Name Indexes have also been included for the Census, the Parish Registers and all known Wills and Inventories. * CD2 contains 180 old black and white photos (from the early 1900s to the 1960s) and 250 colour photos taken since 1998, showing individual houses and village scenes. The CD contains a Map which can be used to locate the position of each house.

Both CDs have been given to the School, the Record Office in Huntingdon and will be made available to be browsed on the computer in the village shop. If you would like to buy a personal copy of either CD, please place your order at the Great Gidding shop (£11.50 each, or £20 for all the records and photos on one CD), or direct to Patrick Ellis on prc.ellis@ndirect.co.uk (p&p extra).

On the Giddings Website it is planned to reorganise and label the historical photos section. The Website now contains descriptions of several Giddings families and several of the properties - three of them can be traced back continuously to the 1641 map. During this winter it is hoped to complete research into "who lived where" for the whole village from 1840 to 1910 - for the 30 or so rent paying families and freeholders from 1780 - and for a few properties even earlier.

I plan to give a talk in the village next spring to present this work and other new material which I have analysed since the publication of the book. In due course this newer material will also be put onto a third CD.

Patrick Ellis

December 2002 Top

Unwelcome worms in your garden

The New Zealand Flatworm (Artioposthia trianguktta)
The gardeners among you will have heard of the New Zealand Flatworm that was first noted in Northern Ireland and Scotland in the 1960's, and has now spread over much of Great Britain. It was probably introduced via pot plants sent from New Zealand.

It has gained notoriety because it eats earthworms! Needless to say this does not make it a popular addition to our native fauna.

What does it look like?
Luckily it is nothing like an earthworm. When resting New Zealand flatworms will be coiled and covered in mucus, measuring 1cm wide and 6cms long. When it is extended it can reach 3Ocms. Pointed at both ends and ribbon like, the upper surface is dark purplish brown with buff edges and underside. The eggs are shiny black capsules (1cm) looking like misshapen blackcurrants, with 2-11 young worms inside.

Its food source is the big problem
The flatworm seems to only eat earthworms, covering it with digestive juices to dissolve the earthworm, which it then sucks up, eating 1-2 per week. Once the available food source is exhausted it will shrink and wait for the earthworms to re-establish and then resume feeding. It can wait for 12-24 months!

Do not panic...
If you find them in your garden all is not lost, soil that is full of large quantities of organic material such as compost will help compensate for the reduction in earth worms. The flatworms can be caught and destroyed by setting a trap. Weight a plastic sack in a damp area of the garden, inspect the underside regularly f or coiled flat worms.

Controls
Birds have eaten flatworms with no ill effects, but the worms are usually under cover and concealed from them. The larvae of native ground and rove beetles inhabit the same environment and prey on adult flatworms.

THERE ARE NO CHEMICAL CONTROLS!

Steve Blyton

November 2002 Top

The Power Cut

Following the power cut villagers should be aware that we are entitled to claim compensation. The going rate is apparently £50 for the first 18 hours and £25 for each complete 12 hours thereafter. Apparently the "powers that be" are not required to compensate if they are unable to commence work because of weather conditions. So even if we don't start the clock ticking until 13:45pm on Sunday, by which time the gales had subsided, we should still be able to claim £125 for the period up to 1:45am in the early hours of Wednesday morning when the lights came back on.

Claims should, in the first instance be lodged by writing to the billing company with your account number etc. It has been reported in the news that some electricity supply companies will not be prepared to pay up. But we can try. 

Tony Scott

October 2002 Top

The Giddings website wins golden web award

The Giddings website has been presented an award by The International Association of Web Masters and Designers. The Golden Web Awards is presented to those sites whose web design, originality and content have achieved levels of excellence deserving of recognition.

The websites submitted are judged and scored in three primary categories: Design, Content and Originality. Each category may receive a score of between 1 to 10. Up to three V.V.C. members may score a particular website. The scores from each V.V.C. member are totaled (30 being a perfect score). These scores are than added together and averaged for a final score. Winning the award requires a total score of between 24 to 30.

August 2002 Top

Great Gidding Village Fete and Sports Day 2002

Click on any image to see a larger version (photos courtesy of Chris Tulloch).

Another summer, another Church Fete and Sports Day, and what a wonderful day it was. Much to everyone's surprise the weather couldn't have been better, so someone must have put in a good word for us.

However, as with all the best productions, the grand opening didn't go quite according to plan. Instead of the Baron and Baroness [of Cinderella fame] arriving in a stretch limo as envisaged by the Baroness, the Baron had the temerity to cut costs and palm her off with a three wheeled vehicle, which fell far short of expectations. In the end she found her own way to the Rec. field on a pushbike commandeered from a passing Churchwarden, and carried the whole thing off with her unique charm and style, good-naturedly mingling with us lower classes in "the best possible taste".

It's always interesting to see whether the large umbrellas hoisted up over the tables will be needed for shade from the sun or shelter from the rain. This year it was the former, and many people were grateful for them, as they enjoyed the wonderful cakes, scones and teas. These were supplied by the cheerful and tolerant ladies in the pavilion, who played their part in cementing multi cultural relations by providing a welcome picnic stop for several Aussies who happened to be cycling through - or were they Kiwis? Oh well, they were definitely from outside the parish boundary. We were all extremely grateful for the quality of the refreshments, thank you to all the people who worked so hard to provide them.

It was good to see so many new faces, young and less young, helping with the setting up of the Fete and participating with stalls. Perhaps this could be the start of something big, or at least bigger next year? There were some very innovative and amusing ideas flying around, as could be seen with Michael Trolove's 'one person and his caller' game which was based very loosely on one man and his dog. Very successful and deserving of more audience participation it was too, but both Sue and I intend to make sure we keep ourselves extremely busy next year in case he finally manages to get us to participate.

The now famous double act, Boris and Bob were as popular as ever, and it was an inspired idea to have a "Draw a picture of Boris" stall, although it was rather difficult to make Bob stand still.

The Sports Day was again a fun event and a big thank you to all the children who took part. It's not the winning that counts but the taking part, or so they say, but in these Games the winning was rewarded with a medal of Olympic proportions that the victors were proud to wear. With so many winners it is only right to single out Luke Ives as this year's supreme champion with 3 gold medals under his belt or rather round his neck. The continual evolution of this occasion continues to make it a success, and one wonders how it will evolve to meet the needs of 2003.

Don't forget that family and friends can take a look at the village website to get a taste of the day if they weren't able to attend. Why shouldn't you be embarrassed?!

It always amazes us that although the demands on people seem to continually increase, and spare time is in such short supply, that on the day things always come together. It's been very rewarding to work alongside the PCC on this event and we know how much effort it takes to organise things, but here's a comforting thought - in a very short time all the stresses and strains will be but a bitter sweet memory as we grapple with the stresses and strains of the Ceilidh on 28 September shortly followed by the Christmas Dinner and Dance on 6 December!

Report by Sue and Patrick Jarvis - July 2002

Many thanks to everyone who helped on the day to make it such a great day for everyone. Especially those who helped to set things up and to put everything away at the end. Also to folks who sat on stalls all afternoon in the heat and to the wonderful ladies in the refreshment tent who kept us all refreshed! We will let you all know exactly how much funds were raised for the church as soon as we have the final figures.

Thanks Everyone

Rachel Giddens – July 2002 Top

On Sunday 23rd June a large group of cyclists set off from Manor Site Farm, Gt Gidding to ride the peripheral tracks of the Peterborough Green Wheel.

The result, a marvellous day of fine weather and personal endeavour as many participants cycled further than they ever had before. The target was 50 miles which was certainly achieved by those who extended the route in the last stage. The proceedings were rounded off by a large picnic in Ferry meadows, Nene park.

My grateful thanks to the following people for their help on the day, Steven and Gillian for sponsoring the send off breakfast Rachel, Nancy, Helen, Sue and Julie the pit stop crew, Martin for rescue and recovery skills, Paul and Krystyna for advertising and updating the event on this medium and to all the entrants from the villages who with enthusiasm and good humor made this a day to remember.

Click on any image to see a larger version (photos courtesy of Don Wilkinson and Michael Trolove).

Michael Trolove - July 2002 Top

There was a good turn out for the annual village clean-up day. Coffee and biscuits started the day followed by a few hours hard graft followed by yet more coffee and biscuits. Thankyou to all that took part - the village is positively shiny!

Click on any image to see a larger version

June 2002 Top

Great Gidding Jubilee Events

Celebrating the Queen's golden jubilee was always going to be a challenge - British weather and personalities are unpredictable at the best of times so many people must have been relieved at the impressive response from the general public. Great and Little Gidding played their part and with wonderful weather, the start of half term, and the odd one or two light beverages to maintain our spirits the celebrations started....

For those who couldn't take part, we hope the photos will show you what you missed and for those who did, just smile or cringe as appropriate!

A village Golden Jubilee scrapbook is planned once everyone has recovered their pre-jubilee energy levels so watch this space for more information in the future.

Sue Jarvis – June 2002 Top

Great Gidding Jubilee Events

Best Decorated House Competition

Click on any image to see a larger version

June 2002 Top

Great Gidding Jubilee Events

'Wacky Wheelbarrow Race' photos

Click on any image to see a larger version

June 2002 Top

Great Gidding Jubilee Events

'Family Disco' photos

Click on any image to see a larger version

June 2002 Top

Great Gidding Jubilee Events

'Cricket match' photos

Click on any image to see a larger version

June 2002 Top

Great Gidding Jubilee Events

'Art Exhibition' photos

Click on any image to see a larger version

June 2002 Top

Great Gidding Jubilee Events

'Award' photos

Click on any image to see a larger version

June 2002 Top

Hone those computer skills - HELP has arrived in Great Gidding!

On and from 9th May Great Gidding Post Office will have computer facilities for the community. You can learn how to send emails, surf the Internet and other computer skills without travelling far.

The computer facilities are part of the HELP (Hunts E-Learning Points), the network of rural access points bringing the information age to the villages of Huntingdonshire. Drop into the Post Office to have a look and book an induction session. At the end of the induction session you will be given a user card. Absolute beginners are very welcome! First induction sessions are on 9th and 10th May.

More extensive training will be available in the village later in the year. Please leave your name at the Post Office if you might be interested.

Great Gidding is the first of these access points and to mark the occasion there will be a reception and exhibition in the Village Hall on Friday 10th May from 4pm to 6pm. Sir Brian Mawhinney, who will be opening HELP, will be there.

All residents of The Giddings are invited. Download information leaflet.(PDF document 112k)

More information about the project is available at www.huntsdc.gov.uk/help

April 2002 Top

The winner! – VILLAGE WEBSITE OF THE YEAR 2002 goes to the Giddings!

thegiddings.org.uk has won the UK Villages Online 'Website of the Year' award. Our trophy will be winging it's way to us in the near future. A BIG thank you to all who voted.

Some of the comments that were received for the web site included...
• I think the Giddings site has humour, dynamism and clarity. Increasingly people in the villages are turning to the site for information and news. It looks good too!
• Great community site, lots of useful sections love the panoramic photos
• Clear, clean lines and easy to navigate
• Friendly, yet informative
• An excellent site, full of information and beautiful photos and panoramic views
• Good site well laid out, lots of information for everyone
• Easy to access, fast
• Innovative but user friendly, the website manages to be both informative and yet fun. It provides the perfect level of information for those who live both inside and outside the village [and country!] and it's regularly updated.

...Thanks Mum!!

Go to UK Villages Online for more info www.rural.co.uk/awards/2002winner.html

April 2002 Top

Home Composting comes to the Giddings!

Cambridgeshire County Council has launched a campaign to increase the amount of household waste that is composted at home. It is estimated that up to 1/3 of the contents of the black refuse sack can be composted, and failure to use the opportunity increases the dependence on expensive landfill.

Steve Blyton in Great Gidding recently completed the `Master Composter` training sponsored by the County Council, and funded by WREN (with landfill tax credit money). Now the work moves closer to home.
April 28th to May 4th is Compost Awareness Week, and the campaign will include discounted home composters available for trial at home. A leaflet will soon be distributed to the Giddings offering the bins. Alternatively they can be purchased for £10 at the Household Recycle Site at Alconbury. Steve will be available to help new composters get started, or to advise on `failed` heaps! He will also be working with Great Gidding School to include composting in their Summer Term science curriculum focus on the Environment.

Completed compost is used as a soil conditioner, increasing nutrition. An average house can produce up to the equivalent of 6 sacks each year, which would cost more than £60 if bought commercially from the Garden centre. Recent evidence has shown that the `traditional` bonfire can be up to 30 times more carcinogenic than cigarette smoke, yet the only known risk from composting is to some asthmatics who may have an allergic reaction to a fungus spore. (Source: Henry Doubleday Research).

So join the `club` and get composting. Download the leaflet (PDF format 777k). Or contact Steve at sblyton@yahoo.co.uk

April 2002 Top

Cinders Burn Bright at GG Panto Night

The Gidding Players' revival of Cinderella was the place to be seen last Saturday night (16th March). A glittering cast of 21, with Patrick Jarvis' burnished Buttons and David Shepherd as the harbinger Herald, delivered a fun-packed evening at the Village Hall.

The prompt was quickly put to sleep, as the cast got into their stride with a story that sought to destroy a modern paradise - a village where the mobile phone does not ring. As fairy tales require, the peace of this ring-free-tone-zone prevailed despite the worst endeavours of the Shylockian Taxman (Tony Scott) and a delightful, domineering, debut by John Deval as Baroness Hangover.

The auditorium was packed - as was the compact stage, especially when filled with the Ugly sisters, played with 'orrible, originality and the antithesis of petiteness by Ian Stapleton and Andrew Underwood. Ian's navel-hair combing technique left nothing to be desired!

No ingredient was absent (if one misses out some of the missing notes). Dandini was dazzlingly designer-dressed, Prince Charming was, the congenital idiots were, and the Fairy Godmother and her little wand were stars of the show. The Sedan Chair scene, in which Jim Francis and Dusty Miller (who tried out 3 excellent bits of parts for the price of one) transported Cinders to the Ball, was a brilliant piece of pantomime business that had both its contents and the audience shaking with laughter. Cinders, played with just a touch of bucolic ad-libbing by Michelle McGregor, was a veritable belle.

All in all, a night with something for everyone - except, perhaps, my colleague from the wine column who is still recovering from the libation that accompanied the excellent interval buffet! The Director, Steve Smith, and all the cast and crew are to be congratulated for furnishing us with fine evening. Let's hope that it is not too long before the GGs ride again.

Report by John Pye

Pantomime in The Giddings is alive and well

Cinderella is the most popular of Pantomimes, first appearing as "The Story of Finetta the Cinder-Girl in a book of fairy tales published in 1721. As a piece of theatre however many journalists have predicted the demise of Pantomime for many years. What a pity those doubters were not in the audience for The Gidding Players adaptation of Cinderella.

The production had all the traditional fun, slap stick humour, good versus bad, boys being girls, girls being boys,