News Bulletin - November 2026
Hello Centre Members,
I’m writing this on a damp Friday afternoon, following our visit to Biddulph Grange Gardens on 18th September. Fortunately, the sun shone in the morning, and the rain held off until we were all safely in the Drawing Room/Tea Room. Paul and some of the team gave us a splendid guided tour of the gardens and the history of the property, explaining how the gardens had been gradually restored to their former glory, and described the ongoing work needed to maintain them (carried out by the 50 or so garden volunteers).
We are still hoping to organise a holiday in Norfolk next year, providing that we can negotiate something at an affordable price. Katie is currently looking at some possible options, so watch this space!
Nigel Holmes
on behalf of your committee
Nigel Holmes
on behalf of your committee
TALKS
The Magic Of Pantomime – 10th November
A Talk by Dean Nixon
This amusing and informative talk is interspersed with entertaining videos. Pantomime is an amazing part of our cultural heritage and the script often reflects society and what is happening in the world at a specific moment. It is ‘a genre for whole families based on fairy tales, nursery and real-life stories, usually staged at Christmas but not directly referencing Christmas’.
So where do the stories come from? They come from old, verbal or traditional stories and novels. Many pantomime tales come from Charles Perrault and the Grimm brothers (Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Puss in Boots). From the Arabian Nights, we acquired Aladdin, Ali Baba and the Voyages of Sinbad and Robinson Crusoe gave us Dick Whittington.
There are many traditions associated with pantomime, such as gender switching, the inclusion of animals, audience participation, tried and tested pantomime jokes and specific characters. We will hear about some of the famous men and women who had played principal boy or dame, including Dan Leno, Samuel Simmons, Lucy Vestris, Vesta Tilley and Marie Lloyd.
Other talk dates for your diary
Christmas Crackers by Nigel Holmes on 8th December
Country Classics by Nigel Holmes on 9th February
My Adventures Into Our Heritage by David Potter on 9th March
All talks start at 2:30 pm at Walton Village Hall.
WALKS
Christmas At The Rag – 3 miles – Thursday 10th December
Our traditional Christmas stroll around Castle Ring, followed by Christmas lunch at the Rag is an excellent way to meet up with fellow members. The optional walk has some steady climbs, but no stiles. It begins with an uphill stretch along a quiet lane, before turning off into a wooded area. We then connect with the “Heart of England Way”, and follow this to Castle Ring to see the far-reaching views over the Staffordshire countryside.
Please wear suitable footwear as it will almost certainly be muddy. Back to an earlier start for the walk, we have been asked by the restaurant, to be back by 11.45 to be seated, and ready to eat by 12.00.
Start: 10.15. The Rag car Park for a 10.30 start
Sat Nav: WS12 0QD.
Organiser: Nigel Holmes/John Willis
Booking deadline: Saturday 6th December
Please note: To book this walk and lunch at The Rag, only use the Book The Rag button.
Other walk dates for your diary
This is our last walk until next Spring. Watch this space for details of our 2027 walks programme.
Please remember that you join our walks at your own risk, and are responsible for your own safety. Leaders will indicate the difficulty of the walk so walkers can make an informed choice on whether or not to join in. Appropriate clothing and footwear should always be worn.