Program Farndale Final

By arrangement with Samuel French Ltd

The Greater Manchester Drama Federation (GMDF) is recognised as one of the
leading associations representing amateur theatre in the North West of England.
The GMDF's affiliated network alone makes it one of the largest regional
organisations of its type and it's Full Length Festival, is probably the largest drama festival to be
held in Europe. Entries into this Festival are adjudicated by four adjudicators throughout the season
and their awards across various categories of drama are announced at our prestigious Awards
Evening during the summer. We also hold a long established, annual, high quality, week long, One
Act Play Festival which, next year, will be held at CHADS Theatre, Mellor Road, Cheadle Hulme.
SK8 5AU. Details are on our website.
To provide a central organisation through which the membership can take co-operative and concerted
action in all matters which concern non-professional theatre.
To involve and encourage at all times, in every facet of the theatre, the youth drama movement in the
Greater Manchester area .
To promote 'live theatre' to the general public in, thus providing a cultural activity of acknowledged
value in this modern era of increased leisure time .
NATIONAL OPERATIC and DRAMATIC ASSOCIATION
Serving Amateur Theatre since 1899
Inspiring theatre
Our vision is that amateur theatre is successful and sustainable, providing a
range of opportunities for people to develop their skills and enjoy taking part, at
all levels.
Mission
We are here to support the education and information needs of individuals and organisations with
high quality services and products that contribute to the success of amateur theatre, as well as
encouraging appreciation of the sector by participants and audiences alike.
We aim to:
• Help amateur societies and individuals achieve the highest standards of best practice and
performance
• Give a shared voice to the amateur theatre sector.
• Provide leadership and advice to enable the amateur theatre sector to tackle the challenges and
opportunities of the 21st century.
www.noda.org.uk

Chairman’s address
Good evening and welcome to another evening of theatrical performance from Woodford Players.
Since we last entertained you I am delighted to tell you that Woodford Players won four prestigious
awards at the NODA North West Area 1 awards night in January this year.
We won the award for Best Staging for our production of "The Titfield Thunderbolt".
For our last production "Gaslight" we won three awards, we won the award for Best Drama,
Catherine Eaton won Best Actress for her portrayal of Bella Manningham and David Wilkinson won
the award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Rough, the detective.
Tonight we take you to the Farndale Avenue housing estate where the ladies of the Townswomen's
Guild have formed an amateur dramatic group. They are, somewhat ineptly, staging a murder
mystery play. To say that they put the ham into Am-Dram would be putting it mildly.
So please sit back and enjoy the hilarious and chaotic antics of the ladies (and one gentleman ) of
Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society.
And remember, we are always on the lookout for new members both backstage and on stage, so if
you are interested, please contact any one of us or send us an email via our website, I can
guarantee that you will be most welcome, I look forward to seeing you.
Best Wishes
Derek Snowdon
Chairman
www.woodfordplayers.co.uk
John, Catherine, Sheryl and David with their NODA awards

JTW-387-71726-Cheshire_NE-210x297-AUTUMN-from15-14oct15-PRINT.pdf 1 12/10/2015 10:56

Stunning new homes in Woodford
How very Redrow
WOODFORD GARDEN VILLAGE
Chester Road, Woodford, Cheshire SK7 1QP
Images typical of Redrow homes. Details correct at time of going to press.
4 & 5 bedroom homes available from:
£466,995
Woodford Garden Village is an innovative new
development in the heart of Cheshire. Based
at the historic former aerodrome at Woodford,
the development lies in close proximity to
Wilmslow, Poynton and Bramhall and within
commuting distance of Manchester.
Open Mon, 12am - 5.30pm
Tues to Sun, 10am - 5.30pm
Call: 0161 825 8756
Visit: redrow.co.uk/woodford
28113 Woodford Waterfront Mag 300 x 230 wc100417.indd 1 12/04/2017 10:54

Director’s Notes
the way home!
Best wishes
Sue Mooney
Good evening everyone.
This will be the second time in 15 years that I have directed
this play.
This type of play is becoming very popular in the world of
professional theatre and has certainly stood the test of time.
We hope you enjoy the fun and frolics of the Farndale Avenue
Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s
production of a Murder Mystery.
Nothing is what it seems in the world of Farndale. Things can,
do and will go wrong so sit back and be prepared to laugh all
The Farndale plays.
Murder at Checkmate Manor is one of ten plays written in the Farndale series by David Mcgillivray
and Walter Zerlin Jnr. They focus on the disastrous efforts of the ladies (and the occasional man) of
the Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society to put on productions
including works by Shaksepeare, Dickens and Gilbert and Sullivan.
In real life Zerlin was a barrister in the West Midlands. During this time he defended John Cleese
over a parking offence and the actor later recommended him to help Marlon Brando in a court scene
for the film A Dry White Season.
Born in Guilford the son of a refugee he was called to the bar in 1974 and a year later he went on to
form “Entertainment Machine” and created the Farndale characters together with David Mcgillivray
whose background is in the film industry as a script writer and actor. He has also written scrips for
Julian Clary.
The Townswomen’s Guild is a British women’s organisation. There are
approximately 30,000 members in 706 branches and 77 Federations
throughout England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man
and the Isle of Wight.
The movement was formed in 1929 at the instigation of Margery Corbett
Ashby and Eva Hubback, when women first won the right to vote with the
aim of educating women about good citizenship. Since then, T.G. has
lobbied on national and local issues. Townswomen are encouraged to
have ideas and views, develop new skills, campaign on various issues,
support each other, make new friends and have fun.
The Townswomen’s Guild produces “Townswomen” a magazine published quarterly and delivered
directly to its members. The nearest guild in this area is in Poynton which meets in the Poynton Civic
Centre on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 10:00.
For more information checkout their Facebook page.

550 Chester Road, Woodford, Stockport. SK7 1PS
If you haven’t visited this pub, put it on your “to do” list because you are in for a treat.
This pub has been in the Hallworth family for 85 years with the current landlady at the
helm for the last 26 years and when her son takes over it will be the 5th generation of
Hallworths in the Thief’s Neck—A considerable achievement indeed.
A warm welcome awaits you at The Davenport
Arms (The Thief’s Neck). The Hallworth family,
are the longest serving family of any pub in
Robinsons’ 330-strong estate, have been pulling
pints at the Davenport for more than 80 years.
Relax in this lovely pub and enjoy a pint of
perfectly kept beer or choose from a large
selection of fine wines.
An extensive traditional food menu as well as a
selection of delicious grazing boards will leave
you spoiled for choice.
Scrummy, locally sourced food and a great
atmosphere always provides customers with the
perfect setting for a cosy festive season
celebration.
Early booking is always advised as this popular
pub gets booked up very quickly.
A traditional, family run, country pub offering high quality food, drinks and
perfectly kept Robinson’s beers. 30 consecutive years in The Good Beer Guide
0161 439 2435

Farndale Avenue Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society
Murder Mystery — Synopsis of Scenes
.
Act 1
The Drawing Room at Checkmate Manor. It is a Winter’s evening
There will be a 20 minute interval between acts 1 and 2 during which the
bar will be open and tea, coffee and biscuits will be available for a donation
Act 2
Later on the same evening
The President’s Jottings
Tonight's show reminds me of our earlier Farndale presentation of "Macbeth" given in November 1996
to celebrate the Players 100th production which was directed by Derek Blunt.
We had tremendous fun and laughter at the rehearsals, Dorothy Bayman played the redoubtable Mrs.
Reece. The set was a complete shambles in the true Farndale tradition with the 31 sound cues and
54 lighting cues mixed up, reversed and occasionally forgotten.
Pat Helicon did her best to choreograph the three hopeless witches (one of whom was yours truly) in
the dance "Old Black Magic". Our long noses kept falling off and Norma Redwood who played witch
number 3 was jet -propelled around the stage in a wheel chair.
The Guild's accompanist "Gwyneth Williams" alias Malcolm Braddock dressed up for the occasion
and could often be seen in the interval bar awaiting "her " favourite tipple of sherry to help keep "her"
fortified on the piano stool during the performance.
We trust that you, the audience, will not need fortifying and that you will enjoy this hilarious murder
mystery at "Checkmate Manor".
Thank you for your continued support and patronage.
Best wishes
Heather Braddock.
Woodford Community Players gratefully acknowledges the vital support of the
following:
Christ Church Woodford for rehearsal facilities
Mark Wilkinson for help erecting the raked seating
All our advertisers, please lend them your support and those who have assisted with
our publicity.

Farndale Avenue Townswomen’s Guild Murder Mystery Cast
Barbara Harris - Mrs Reece
This is the first time that I have acted on the Woodford stage and am very
pleased to have been invited to perform in this very funny play. I am
reprising the role of Mrs Phoebe Reece who is the Chairwoman of
Farndale Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild, having performed it 15
years ago in 2002 under the same director, Mrs Sue Mooney.
Catherine Eaton - Thelma Greenwood
Catherine has performed in a number of plays with Woodford, and is still
flushed with success from winning the NODA best actress award for her
performance as Bella Manningham in ‘Gaslight’. Catherine says that
Farndale has been an absolute laugh a minute from the read through
onwards and it has been wonderful to work with old friends and new on this
bizarre and hilarious romp.
Monica Wickham - Audrey
Monica's love of all things theatrical began with Shakespeare at school and her
local theatre. This is her third appearance for Woodford, her favourite part so
far being Rachel in Alan Ayckbourn's Seasons Greetings. She would like to
thank Sue Mooney and all the cast and crew, for making rehearsals such fun,
providing lots of laughs! Will she get into the right costume at the right time!
Carol Ackers - Felicity Carstairs
Carol has trodden the boards for Woodford Players on many occasions
playing a wide variety of roles both large and small. Her most recent
performances have been Annie Clark in Calendar Girls, for which she won the
NODA North West Award for Best Actress in a Drama, and Vera in Stepping
Out. She would like to thank her fellow cast members for being a pleasure to
work with and most importantly our Director who has had the patience of Job.
When not appearing on stage Carol is our Social Secretary.
David Carlile - Gordon Pugh
Gordon here. Hope thee well. Stage manager and set builder. Well chief shouter
really. Can't hold a hammer for toffee, let alone nails, and putting screws in
always confuses me as to which way the wood should rotate. Therefore I learnt
the art of dramatic delegation. Before set designing I tried to direct a few things
‘ere at Farndale: Season's Greetings, Quartet and a few one act plays, but Mrs
Reece is reet particular about content so no swearin' or nudity. I tried the old
actin' malarkey in Titfield Thunderbolt and Stepping Out but find the dialogue
gets in way of the plot. Years ago I tried me best in our version of Macbeth but
the damned spot would not go out. So enjoy tonight and my paintin' strokes on
fireplace. Red hot this production'll be -mark my words.

Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society
Murder Mystery Cast
Mrs Phoebe Reece
Thelma Greenwood
Felicity Carstairs
Audrey Mainwaring
Gordon Pugh
Barbara Harris
Catherine Eaton
Carol Ackers
Monica Wickham
David Carlile
Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society
Proudly presents ~ Murder at Checkmate Manor
Mrs Reece playing
Felicity playing
Audrey playing
Thelma playing
Gordon the stage manager
playing
Director
Technical Director and
Lighting Design
Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Managers
Continuity
Set Design
Set Construction Team
and Stage Crew
Sound Engineer
Properties
Wardrobe
Programme and Publicity
Photography
Front of House Team
Refreshments
Clarissa Rook (Lady Bishop's sister), Regine (The French Maid)
Patricia (Lady Bishop's Niece), Letitia Bishop (her sister),
Mr Goodbody (a Solicitor)
Pawn (a butler), Colonel King (Lady Bishop's Brother-in-Law)
Lady Doreen Bishop (a Widow), Violet Bishop (her Spinster
Aunt), Mrs King (the Colonel's wife), Joan Bishop (Lady
Bishop's Cousin)
Daphne Bishop (Lady Bishop's Daughter)Rose Bishop (her
Spinster Aunt)
Inspector O’Reilly
Producion Team
Sue Mooney
Wilson Young
Tom Dawson
Derek Snowdon and Derek Manton
Tracey Hepburn
Sue Mooney
Derek Snowdon, Tom Dawson, Derek Manton, Wilson Young,
James Cawley
Graham Scurfield
John Lomax, Carolyn Manton , Pat Snowdon
The Cast, Jude Craig, Janet Mullen, Nikki Lees
Tom Dawson and Jude Craig
Derek Manton and Angela Rezzano
Graham Ackers assisted by Society members
Teresa Dawson and The Farndale Ladies

established in the heart of the
village for over 40 years
a free home valuation gets the
selling process started
large residential Letting &
Management Department
highly trained negotiators can help
you find a property across the UK

MERCURY GARAGE
185A Moss Lane ,Bramhall ,Stockport .SK7 1BA
Tel 0161 439 8365
Fax 0161 439 5145
BRAMHALL’S MOT CENTRE
Service and Repairs to
ALL MAKES AND MODELS
Please visit our website for further details and tickets
www.avroheritagemuseum.co.uk

Tickets for our plays can be booked at www.woodfordplayers.ticketsource.co.uk
or telephone 0333 666 3366

• Good Old Fashioned Personal Service
• Painting and Decorative Materials
• Plumbing and Electrical
• Timber, Sand, Cement and Plaster
• Gardening and Housewares
• Motor Car Spares & Accessories
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Not Many Accountants Have a Sense of Humour but We Do.
It’s what makes us able to cope with all the boring stuff below!
Accounts - Tax Advice - VAT returns - IHT Planning - Bookkeeping
Business Start Ups - Management Accounts - Payroll

AT THE CUTTING EDGE OF INTERNATIONAL BATHROOM DESIGN
Let us shape your dreams. Fabulous working displays, including the spectacular
Big Rain ceiling mounted shower from Dombracht.
Wet areas a speciality. Limestone, slate, marble and porcelain tiles.
Superb taps and accessories.
429 Chester Road, Woodford, Stockport, Cheshire SK7 1QP
Tel: 0161 439 2100
www.bathroomsbd.co.uk
sales@bathroomsbd.co.uk

.
In House Bars
The Complete
Mobile Bar Service
Your Local Quality
Supermarket in
Woodford
Lotto Retailer
Cash Machine
We can provide staff, glasses,
fine wines, champagne, spirits,
liqueurs, beer by the barrel,
ashtrays, champagne buckets,
ice and a sense of humour!
In short—everything you need to
run an outside bar. Whether your
event is a wedding in a
marquee, a party in your home or
a corporate bash in your office,
we can cope.
All Relevant Licences Can
Be Obtained By Ourselves
Tel: 07889 199046
438 Chester Road, Woodford,
Stockport SK7 1QS
Tel: 0161 439 3233
info@boarding-kennels-cheshire.co.uk

Motors of Woodford
nOw Open
On Chester rOad wOOdfOrd
Over 150 Cars in
GrOup stOCk
‘we can buy your car’
free valuatiOn serviCe
www.chromemotors.co.uk
TEL: 01625 365114
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Find us on