A delightful Wheatsheaf Winter Wonderland
CHRISTMAS came swooshing in over the Pennines and landed in the Wheatsheaf Shopping Shelter Yorkshire Street, Rochdale for a Winter Wonderland presentation of all the talent that Rochdale has to offer.
It was the season of goodwill to all, as the shopkeepers opened their doors and welcomed children as they elf-hunted in and out of their premises, up and down the shopping concourse looking for any gifts that had slipped off Santa’s sleigh, as he made his way to his grotto that had been donated by Proscenium Theatre Co. The grotto was manned by elves from Footlights Theatre. Their meetings are held on Saturday mornings at 9.45am till 1pm at Falinge High School. There will be a free session on January 12 for those interested in joining a performing arts group. They take ages three years to eighteen. For further information contact 07768 528133.
Skylight Circus Arts put on an amazing circus performance that had the crowd gasping with delight and amazement. The ringmaster, Caryce Brierley looking magnificent in the traditional Ringmaster’s costume of top hat and red tails. Following the performance, there was a circus workshop led by Scarlet Fellows. There was also a photographic exhibition of Rochdale Fair in the 1900s and of the circus history in Rochdale from 1950 to the present day created by Skylight Circus Arts.
Rochdale Music Service gave us a Christmas medley of songs old and new that really brought out the spirit of Christmas for us all. Membership of the group is open to all. They meet weekly on Mondays in the Town Hall at 7pm till 8pm. There is a small fee payable per term and they take adults from 21 years up to infinity. They also have a very active youth choir, a pop choir and a string quartet. The quartet teaching sessions are on Monday afternoons, again held in the Town Hall.
The wonderful Crompton Morris Dancers gave an exhibition of their intricate dancing skills that was captivating. We are so lucky to have such talent in Rochdale and the people who make such efforts to keep our heritage of dance and folk music alive.
Rochdale Craft Shop played host to Weaving Word Writers’ Group that meets on the first and third Monday of each month at 5.30pm at Riverside One. They are open to writers of whatever genre. For further information, contact eileen.earnshaw@yahoo.co.uk.