A Monthly Publication

Sandra Hohol

 We are well into the year now and have several ‘gigs’ already under our belt so to speak.  All went exceptionally well and I must thank John Maiden for his glowing reports on Aladdin, both in the Lynn News and Hunstanton Newsletter.  If any parents want photos please let me know.

Our youngsters performance of St George and the Dragon, at the St George’s Day evening at the Princess Theatre was different as it was mimed, interacting with incidental piano music and there was never any script!  At Workshops, Jess Cornwell (17) was given a ‘narration’ of the story and was invited to re-write it which she very skillfully did.  Everyone carefully listened to her version and the youngsters just made it their own original piece relating to Hunstanton.  Jess eloquently narrated her quirky story throughout, which never left the original lines of St George!  There was plenty of expert ad-libbing plus over emphasising and expression in the acting from everyone which made the whole story come to life.  Maybe they might act it again at a later date so everyone can see and appreciate how clever and articulate mime can be!

We are just about the start the summer season where we have various gigs in this corner of Norfolk; Ringstead Open Gardens, Norfolk Lavender Weekend, Burnham Market Flower Festival and Carnival, Hunstanton Carnival, Gayton Garden Fete, just for starters.  Since having our minibus over the past year or so, attending events such as these has made a huge difference.  We have also received funding for a sound system and speakers (our old ones were screaming for the scrap heap and covered in patches!) so have now lost the hiccups of echoes and reverberations!  Microphones are on the agenda as is a much needed generator.  Our old jalopy of a transit van which transports the music equipment, still trogs along regardless and will no doubt be replaced with a newer model when the time comes.  So far so good!    All we need now are our youngsters to keep happy and healthy throughout the season but with hay fever gradually creeping in and summer colds plus the inevitable food poisoning from barbeques and hot weather, there are bound to be a few illnesses and mishaps!

However, just in case of any unforeseen circumstances, and there will be, we have three qualified ‘first aiders’ within the LHMTC and we always have a one with the youngsters wherever we go.  So if anyone is taken ill, we are ready and able to offer assistance. Like Brownies, Cubs, Scouts, Guides, schools plus other children’s organisations, having children within our care is a great responsibility and that is why there are strict regulations and guidelines for us all that we have to abide by. Not to mention the multitude of forms to complete.   However, even though we carry a register of our youngsters with their allergies and personal emergency information, there are still things that we cannot do and will not do in case of emergencies in case we jeopardise anyone’s lives.  All organisations should have instructions and confirmation from parents to administer paracetamol, calpol, children’s nurofen, in case of headaches and other aches and pains.  We can plaster cuts and bruises and even splint a limb or resuscitate if necessary but we have to draw the line at injections.  This is more personal and invasive and certainly not within our remit. These must be administered by a trained medic or by parents/carers of the child who are trained and feel safe in doing so, and anyone with any medical knowledge knows that the best course of action is to contact them immediately should this be necessary.  I know that I want to be informed if my children are taken ill, and I have indeed been contacted by the local schools on occasion for various reasons when my children have been unwell. And like all parents I was grateful for those calls.  On one occasion I had to go to casualty, and as far as I was concerned, I was the only person my child needed.   No-one else apart from parents have the responsibility to administer any stronger form of drugs for any condition.  Many premises are also against drugs and tablets being administered in case a problem comes back on them.   So parents and carers out there, please be rest assured that if your children are within a reputable group, they are well looked after. 

Just a word of warning though, if you and your children are looking to join a group, be it Guides, Scouts, dance schools, swimming or gym clubs, etc, please check out their health and safety procedures and protocol, whether they have a safety officer/first aider and most importantly make sure that they have all your contact details including health issues, should there ever be an emergency.

Our next show is a Christmas one, ‘Searching For Santa’ which is original and was performed several years ago, but has since been updated for 2010 and for the youngsters whom we have now.  More details about the story line at a later date as I do not wish to start giving away the plot!  So please book tickets once they are available from the Princess Theatre Box Office (01485 532252).  Thursday 11 November 7.30pm, Friday and Saturday 11 & 12 November two shows each day at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

The Lavender Hill Mob Theatre Company welcomes everyone from age 4 no matter what ability, disability or capability. Working on a similar ethos as the Chicken Shed Theatre in London, there is no pressure to do anything – people do what they are able to, we do not hold auditions and there is no membership limit.  St Edmunds Church Hall, Hunstanton is our venue on Mondays (Dance & Movement 5 – 8pm), Tuesdays (Workshops for All – 5 – 7pm) and Wednesdays (Writing and Devising 5 – 8pm).   For more information please contact me, Sandra Hohol, Publicity Officer on 01485 534827, email CLOAKING or visit our website www.lhmtc.co.uk  Reg. Charity 1134490