Three Churches Pantomime Raises Cash For Charity (From Swindon Advertiser)

Three Churches Pantomime Raises Cash For Charity

12:33pm Thursday 2nd December 2010 in Ferndale News By Sue Cozens

As the last of the grease paint and fluffy ears are removed, the three churches and community budget pantomime is over for another year.

The congregations and communities of All Saints, St Barnabas and St Augustine's churches have come together to raise money for charity. After this year's four performances of Goldilocks Hires Snow White and Her Magnificient Trio, the group has raised more than £1,300 which will be shared between Prospect Hospice, Marie Curie Cancer Care and church funds.

The idea of a community pantomime was thought up by Barbara Sheppard and her sister Mary Law. Mary was diagnosed with cancer and during their many trips to Oxford for treatment, the idea to perform a pantomime with a twist was devised.

Sadly, Mary did not survive to see the first community panto performed in 2009, but everyone who knew her is sure she is somewhere having a chuckle at the goings on at All Saints' church hall.

The script was written by Barbara Sheppard of All Saints. The cast was made up from members of the three churches, children from the Sunday school, two experienced amateur dramatic performers and anyone else who stood around long enough to be roped in. There was also an army of helpers who provided props, backdrops, the sound, refreshments and anything else that needed doing.

This year's panto was full of songs, laughter, cwying - I'm sorry crying, men dressed as women, women dressed as men and lots of audience participation.

Putting on a great show and raising so much money for charity, everyone involved has good reason to feel proud of themselves. But even more important than the money, this collaboration was a great show of the most amazing community spirit. Something that Mary Law was full of.