This year marks the 60th anniversary of the G & S Society based at St Andrew’s Church in Eastfield Avenue, Monkseaton.
In 1953, St Andrew’s was a rapidly growing church with a vibrant community spirit. However, apart from worship, there was no group in which people of both sexes and all ages could participate. It was this gap that the G & S Society was created to fill. The first rehearsal of ‘HMS Pinafore’ took place in March 1953 and a show has been performed every year since then with the exception of 1982.
Throughout the years, many members have met and married through the Society, with their children subsequently taking part, and this is still very much a characteristic of the Society. Although a church-based society, the G&S Society has always been open to all who love music making and the companionship it brings.
This year, to mark the 60th anniversary, the Society is holding a Coffee Morning on Saturday 28th September from 10am to noon and a church service on Sunday 29th September at 11am. This year’s production is ‘The Mikado’ which commences on Wednesday 9th October running until Saturday 12th October at 7.15 pm each evening. Tickets priced £7 can be booked through Ann and Ray Hammond on 0191 252 3319 or e-mail: annray@talktalk.net
by Heather Carr