Westbury-sub-Mendip

Footlights: Poets and Pints

Master of Ceremonies John Barkle

POETS & PINTS 31 January 2004 (Click on images to enlarge)

Musical Interlude

Chistine Ellen's treatise on Sod's Law.     Perennial school boy Ray Fisher.      David Harding's pirates demand training.     Angela Barlow reading a Revolting Rhyme by Roald Dahl	TEAR DUCTS WENT ON OVERTIME Report by Mike Elliot, Wells Journal, 5 February 2004 An appreciative audience packed into Westbury–sub–Mendip Village Hall on Saturday  where they were treated to a feast of poetry, prose, and food, when the Poets and Pints show was revived after a  three-year break. It was formed as an offshoot of  Westbury Footlights many years ago.  Founder member, Christine Ellen, showed that she still retains her sense of humour, with her rendition of her own composition, A dissertation on the Malevolence of Inanimate objects and its Relation to Sod’s Law. Compere, John Barkle, set the tone for an evening that put the tear ducts on overtime, as we were either listening to poems that made us cry with laughter, or trying to keep our emotions in check at a tearjerker. Ray Fisher was one performer who reached both ends of the spectrum with the moving The Ring Your Mother Wore and the whimsical I Want To Go To Heaven For The Weekend.  Elizabeth Barkle appealed to the ladies with her rhyme about how opinionated most husbands are – except her own, of course. Malcom Mogford accompanied by the delightful Tasmin Maines, evoked memories of the wonderful Flanders and Swan and they encouraged the audience to join in the chorus on Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud.  An international flavour was introduced to the proceedings when an American, David Delgado, recited a 19th century poem about an all American hero, Casey at the Bat. During the interval a slap-meal of a wonderful stew was greatly enjoyed. Plates were piled high and second helpings available.  Brilliant.  Many members of the audience had also entered a Limerick competition, with the top three being read out to more amusement. Local vicar and author, Ewan McPherson tugged at everyone’s heart strings with his moving eulogy to his wife, after Margaret Haslam had wowed us with some of Pam Ayer’s poetry. Professional actress and local resident, Angela Barlow, had everyone in stitches as she presented the alternative version of Goldilocks by Roald Dahl.  All too soon it was time for the last sketch, performed by David Harding and friends. There were so many highlights that only a representative sample have been mentioned, but we all departed  having enjoyed more than three hours delighting in food, poetry and prose, performed with skill and talent, hoping that the Poets and Pints revival will continue for many years to come.
	Margaret Haslam with her poem 'The Walnut Tree.'	Jane Sealy with her winning limerick.