30th December 2011

BEAMINSTER: Bonny entertains senior citizens

By Chris Denne

The Public Hall in Beaminster was full of laughter and chat as the Beaminster Area Seniors Forum laid on its Christmas lunch.

Around 80 people enjoyed the seasonal fare, a glass of wine, and the songs and wit of former Yetties front man Bonny Sartin.

After a career, which has seen him span the globe with the Yetties, the singer and wordsmith formally retired last April.

“Now I'm of pensionable age, I’m a bit past getting in at 3am,” he joked.

Yet here in Beaminster Mr Sartin found himself on stage once again, and for someone who has hung up his hat, he seems remarkably busy, with a gig in London’s Camden Town in the offing too.

His talent remains undimmed and his songs and poems on everything from his childhood diet of rabbit to being pulled over by the police, had the whole hall laughing and cheering.

It was a grand end to the year for the Seniors Forum, which boasts over 150 members.

The organisation holds weekly exercise groups as well as meeting once every three months to hear a speaker, see a demonstration, or go on an excursion.

Vice-Chairman Carol Archer, who organised the Christmas lunch along with Chairman Annemarie Bishop-Spangenberg, described how the organisation works with seniors in the area to keep them active and in touch.

They also help seniors if they experience any difficulties, including helping with health or financial issues. They are always in touch with the relevant agencies and perform an invaluable service to the area.

Kathleen Wakely, 89, who saw the Yetties some years back in Bristol, certainly enjoyed the show. She’s known Beaminster all her life, which she is still thoroughly enjoying, her ready laugh and warm smile testament to that.

Veronica Ziegler, who moved to Beaminster from Stoke Abbott about a year ago, described how it was so nice to come to the forum and get to know everybody. She particularly enjoyed Mr Sartin's use of the local dialect as her grandmother “spoke Dorset”.

Colin Denham, who heard about the Christmas lunch locally, has lived all over the world including the gold fields of Australia, before settling in Beaminster. He certainly enjoyed the show, as did Doreen Hull and Eileen Hill, Seniors Forum members who described the lunch as “the best entertainment we’ve had in a long time”.

Mr Sartin then called the raffle after which he happily accepted the offer of some lunch.

“If I've learned one thing it’s that you can't turn down nosebag. Not in this game,” he said.

PICTURE 1: The Beaminster Senior Citizens Forum enjoyed their Christmas lunch and entertainment

PICTURE 2: Bonny Sartin entertaining the hall

PICTURE 3: Veronica Ziegler appreciates Bonny Sartin

PICTURE 4: Colin Denham enjoying the show