Variety is the spice of life for veteran thespians (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Variety is the spice of life for veteran thespians

Evelyn Stuart-Kelso looks at old photographs Ref: 99616-18MEMBERS of Swindon Amateur Variety Entertainers' Club met to celebrate 50 years of performing.

More than 40 members of the group gathered at the Lawns on Saturday night, to celebrate the club's anniversary with champagne and speeches.

David Bradley, a Swindon resident, launched the variety group in 1955.

The hundred-strong company put on performances at the Mechanics' Institute and the Arts Centre for many years, as well as visiting the elderly in the outlying villages of Swindon.

Marian Saunders, of Frobisher Drive, is one of the committee members who helped organise the anniversary celebrations.

She said: "It was lovely to see people that I hadn't seen in a very long time.

"We had visitors who had come from London and the Midlands, which is a very good effort when you consider our ages."

Unfortunately, some of the original group have passed away, but Mrs Saunders was pleased that others could make it.

She said: "In ringing round to organise the event, it was sad to hear that some old friends had died.

"But you have to focus on the good news. This anniversary was a great chance to meet up and remember times gone by."

SAVEC recently released a CD of the highlights from their performances. All proceeds go to Prospect Hospice. To order a copy, contact Marian on 01793 348224.