Dad’s Army comes alive on Seil
The Easdale branch of the Royal British Legion didn’t panic on Saturday, dressing up for a fundraising Dad’s Army Dance at Seil Island Hall which sold 159 tickets, writes branch secretary Jean Alexander.
Legion member Ron Hetherington came up with the caper, inspired by the vice chairman Jim (Briggy) Watson’s nickname ‘Captain Mainwaring’ and it was decided to fill out his platoon for a charity fundraiser themed on the beloved TV comedy.
Ron recruited the Seil Sound (Victory) Singers, led by Maggie Thorpe, who marched down the hall beautifully singing ‘Who do you think you are kidding, Mr Hitler’, copying the Andrews’ Sisters style.
A solo followed from Wendy Dugdale from Balvicar Stores, the area’s own Vera Lynn. Corporal Jones the butcher (Kneale Smith) and young Jack Thirlaway, dressed in army uniform, sang Kiss Me Goodnight Sergeant Major.
The hall was decorated with bunting, flags and Glen Miller-style band stands on the stage. Dancing was led by Janet and Graham, including the Lambeth Walk, waltzes, fox trot, quicksteps and the jive.
Legion members prepared all the food, ran the bar and sold raffle tickets, with prizes including tins of spam and bars of chocolate. During the interval, Bobby Harvey played the fiddle and Drew Connelly the accordion. A collection raised £193.
Thanks go to everyone who went along to support this wonderful night. The total raised has not been finalised yet but is looking very healthy.