Talking to people in the Church, especially the older ones, I was interested to learn how many used to go to the theatre on a regular basis but no longer felt able to do so. Sometimes it was the price of the ticket and transport but more often the hassle of booking and travelling into busy city centres.

It seemed a good idea therefore to arrange a few Church trips and to see how popular they were. So far we have been to The Lowry Theatre, Salford (School for Scandal), The Palace Theatre, Manchester (My Fair Lady) and the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester (What Every Woman Knows). We go to matinee performances, usually but not always mid-week, and a luxury coach takes us from the church on Watling Street Road to the theatre, where it drops us off and picks us up afterwards. The cost has varied from £21 to £30 and we try to get stall seats to aid access for those who don’t find stairs easy.

This is our programme for the rest of the year:

Thursday, 6^th September

full-day visit to the Lake District to include the matinee performance of Private Lives by Noël Coward at The Theatre by the Lake, Keswick. Back 6.30 – 7.00. Cost approx £27

Thursday, 28^th September

The Man with Two Gaffers (Northern Broadsides Company) at The Lowry, Salford. Departing at 1.00pm – returning 6.30ish. Cost approx £25

Wednesday, 15^th November

The Hollow (Agatha Christie) at The Lowry, Salford. Departing 1.00pm – returning 6.30ish. Cost approx £25 (to be confirmed)

Saturday, 25^th November

Mamma Mia (Palace Theatre, Manchester): probably £36.00

Wednesday, 17^th January 2007

Mamma Mia (Palace Theatre, Manchester): probably £31.00

(Costs are approximate because fuel prices are not yet known.)

Although these events are advertised first in the Methodist Churches in Preston, we would be delighted to hear from any readers who may like to join us. If you would kindly contact me via church, or by e-mail. I will be glad to keep you in touch.

These visits are open to all. Transport is to and from the church direct by luxury coach. Please contact Ken Wales (01772 863791) to book places or for more information.

Ken Wales