THE Pantomime at Tiverton was the choice of Shobrooke Friendly Club once again this year. On February 2 43 members and friends travelled from Crediton to see Dick Whittington at the New Hall.

The Signpost Club of Tiverton obviously worked hard during the last year to put on this production. Everyone from Shobrooke Friendly Club thoroughly enjoyed the production.

The dancing and the scenery were superb. There were plenty of laughs, and some topical jokes and comments, particularly as the “fool” of the show was played by Orin Trump.

Everyone agreed that it was a very good evening, and thanks were once again given to Powell’s Coaches of Lapford for conducting us safely there and back.

The pantomime for next year is understood to be Sinbad, and no doubt The Club will endeavour to go and see it.

The February meeting of the Friendly Club took place at the usual venue of Shobrooke Village Hall on February 15, when members were given a talk by Emma of Wiltshire Farm Foods.

Emma, who is based at the South Molton office, outlined the business, and how their Head Chef has developed meals for vegetarians, gluten-free diets, reduced sugar desserts and puréed meals including desserts in addition to the standard food.

Meal portions can either be mini, normal size, or hearty for those with a larger appetite.

She went on to say that their meals do not contain any artificial flavours or colouring. Meals are delivered free of charge and usually by the same person.

Each member was presented with a “goodie-bag” which contained a biro pen, a comprehensive brochure of various meals and a list of menu packs.

Emma’s colleague, Jeanie, microwaved some samples, which smelt very appetising. Small amounts of either chicken curry or cottage pie were distributed. In addition, slices of cake and éclairs were enjoyed, after which the usual cup of tea or coffee was served.

A Wiltshire Farm Food tea towel was donated as a draw prize.

The chairman thanked Emma and Jeanie for a successful presentation.

The usual business part of the meeting followed. A brief silence took place to remember Hubert Fernbank who had recently died. Hubert was the first chairman when the Club was formed in 1981.

A special thank you to Margaret Gale was noted for all the work she had done in organising the visit to Tiverton to see the Dick Whittington pantomime.

The next meeting of the Club will be on Wednesday, March 15 at 2.15pm in the Village Hall, when there will be a Gentle Circle Dance with Mrs J Thompson.

Norman Gale and Eileen James