Countess of Chell's Christmas Celebration

7th December 2006

On Thursday 7th December, over 50 members, friends and fellow Arnold Bennett enthusiasts, gathered together in the Old Town Hall, Bursley, now known as the CERAMICA attraction for an

evening of poetry, readings and song.

Guests were welcomed by The Countess

Otherwise known as AB member Nicola Condon

Two poems from "Burslem Saturday" by Len Barnett were read by Carol and Graham Gorton

Followed by an adaptation of Arnold Bennett's short story

"Vera's First Christmas Adventure"

The various parts were taken by Carol and Graham Gorton,

Margaret and Derek Beard and Elizabeth Leslie

Another poem by Len Barnett "Fat Emma's Lobby" was followed with a break for supper

The "Lorna Spode Consort" entertained us with Christmas Carols

An alternative "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks and The Twelve Days of Christmas",

was then performed by the company.

Karen Burgess, the attraction manager, thanked everyone for coming and hoped to see them again.

Coffee and Christmas Cake sent everyone on a safe journey home

The Lorna Spode Consort	Derek and Graham	Karen and Carol	Emma and Brenda

BENNETT AND HIS CONTEMPORARIES WRITE THE TOWN AND THE CITY

CONFERENCE 10TH JUNE 2006

Our speakers from America

Randi Saloman (Yale University)

Pictured with her figurine of Arnold Bennett

Presented to her by Ray Johnson on behalf of the

University and the Arnold Bennett Society

Robert Squillace (New York University)

Pictured with his figurine of Arnold Bennett

THE TALE OF MAGGIE PINK

Written by Anne Picken

Directed by Graeme Maley

A YELLOW DOG THEATRE PRODUCTION.

Inspired by Arnold Bennett's "The Old Wives' Tale", this love story is set against 19th century English mayhem.  Strikes, sabotage, starvation, riots are sweeping the Potteries........Who are these Chartists?  Do they really have guillotines?  Should we be with them or against them?  One summer morning in 1842, a young girl in the town of Bursley is forced to decide.

Yellowdog Theatre is funded to tour professional productions to local community venues throughout Staffordshire.  We aim to make you laugh, cry and gasp with fear - in short, to enjoy a thoroughly good evening out.

We are extremely fortunate to have Graeme Maley directing this production.  He has an international reputation and, luckily for us, also a soft spot for new writing.

Yellowdog Theatre is funded to tour professional productions to local venues such as village halls and pubs.  Ticket takings pay for workshops in scriptwriting, drama and dance, free at the point of use. We support local drama groups. Contact anne.picken@ntlworld.com for further information.