12th May 2010

DORCHESTER: End of an era for Dorchester Moose

by Anita Harries

Dorchester Moose recently held their very last senior citizens’ party in St George’s Church Hall, Dorchester.

More than 80 guests went along to enjoy a wonderful tea prepared by members of Dorchester Moose and everyone was greeted with a glass of sherry on arrival.

Governor of Dorchester Moose, Graham Churchill, expressed regret that this was to be the last such occasion, but they were determined to go out with a bang.

An afternoon of mixed entertainment accompanied the food.

The ladies of the Woodbury Hill Singers from Bere Regis took everyone on a musical tour of the globe, beginning with the USA and ending back home in England. Audience participation was encouraged in a good old sing song with a few war time favourites entering the programme.

Master of Ceremonies, Bob Cornick, kept things flowing.

A superb magician, David Beckley, a gold star member of the Inner Magic Circle, gave a first class mind reading and sleight of hand exhibition, leaving people wondering how he managed to achieve the seemingly impossible.

Moose member and stalwart of the Durnovaria Silver Band, Graham, blew his euphonium, adding a touch of Phantom of the Opera to name just one piece, to his musical medley.

The inimitable Alan Knott got the whole audience singing and shaking away in hilarious unison, and even added an amusing poem about a marrow to his repertoire.

And as for the finale, this was perhaps the most bizarre act of all. Ballet Useless consisted of five members of Dorchester Moose in the most curious array of tutus, tights and working boots, dancing across the stage to some of ballets well known classics.

Following the round of thank yous to all concerned, the curtain fell on the end of an era.

PICTURE: The ladies of Woodbury Hill Singers