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Classes for adults in Wirksworth, Derbyshire
Wirksworth WEA annual party 2007: report
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3 March 2007
'TRAMPS SUPPER'
Wirksworth residents may have been surprised to see a steady stream of ladies and gentlemen of the road making for the Hope and Anchor pub on the evening of 3rd March. This invasion had nothing to do with pagan rites, associated with the co-incidental eclipse of the moon. It was the turn-out for the WEA annual party, this year themed as a 'Tramps Supper' and organised by Anne Brawn and Ursula Gratton.
Guests entered fully into the spirit of the occasion. There was such a profusion of string, holding together an assortment of tattered garments, that we wondered whether it might become next season’s must-have accessory. Particularly popular was an appealing, but unusually long-bodied dog, tucked under the arm of one participant (pictured, above right). This rare breed is seldom seen outside the house, its favourite habitat being behind closed doors, where it performs the dual function of draught-excluder and minimal-maintenance pet.
Mine Hostess, Sally, had the difficult task of adjudging the winning costume. Wirksworth Mayor, Mike Ratcliffe, appropriately attired in Dick Whittington fashion, presented the prize (a loaf of bread, a hunk of cheese and a bottle of cider) to the worthy winner, Cath Houseley (pictured, right.)
Guests then enjoyed a buffet supper, before being regaled with poems and prose on a tramp theme, written and performed by the Wirksworth Writers. Entertainment also included a testing series of theatre-related anagrams and a lively game of charades. Chairman, Christie Taylor, proposed a vote of thanks to the organisers and thanked the guests for their support. Everyone then emerged into the night in time to catch the last of the eclipse, a magical end to a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
