Madron History Group Christmas Social evening, Landithy Hall

The evening began with a meal which was prepared and served by Nicola Osbourne, which was enjoyed by those in attendance. Following this, four sea shanties were performed by local group ‘KanGwerin’ consisting of Phil Davies, Anna Slater, and Phil Westren.

However, the highlight of the evening was a short play titled ‘Treason at Trewiddly’, which had been written by Anna Slater and performed by a group of amateur players who were determined to make it a fun occasion for everyone.

Members of the audience clearly enjoyed their evening (Image: Phil Westren)The play was a follow-up to last year’s play ‘Trouble at Trewiddly!’ set at the end of World War Two and about the fictitious Trewiddly Manor, near the village of Madron. On this occasion, however, it went way back in time to 1762. It was ‘Lord P’ who resided at Trewiddly Manor in the 20th century, whereas in 1762 it was a former family member called Captain P.

At Trewiddly Manor House, Cap’n P and his family and crew were all involved in the smuggling. There were many secret passages under the house which led down to caves and then onto the beach, ideal for the smugglers to hoist their contraband back up to the house.

Before the curtains opened, Phil Western paid tribute to two members who had participated in last year’s production, Sheilagh Jelbert and Roger White, who have since passed away.

The cast of Treason at Trewiddly takes to the stage (Image: Phil Westren)

Highlights of the event included the singing of ‘An Ode to Charlie Mops – The Man Who Invented Beer’, and a stirring final chorus of ‘Viva Espana’ when the Trewiddly troopers were joined by Custom & Excise men and wrecking crew members all keen to learn Flamenco dancing alongside the captured Spanish galleon captain, Jose.

Mentioning Peter Scrase, who is Chairman of Madron History Group, for him to play a cameo role for a second year running he recalled that he had first tread the boards at Landithy Hall some 79 years ago, back in 1944.

To conclude the evening, Madeliene Nicholls organised a raffle with proceeds donated by the Madron History Group to help support the village’s Feast Week funding. Bridgit England performed her solo ’I Wonder as I Wander’, plus she led the singing for everyone present to sing three popular Christmas carols.

After the event, the words of audience member Val Thomas reflected the thoughts of everyone present when she said: "We all had a lovely time!

"A big thank-you to everyone, the songs were a great hit and as someone said it was nice to be able to have a laugh when you went out. A great accolade in this day and age.”