This is one of my favorite shot of the day.

I’m stunned and saddened to be saying goodbye to you today.

Dom you were truly one of a kind.

I’ll miss our chats when we put the world to rights, politics and journalism our favourite targets. I’ll miss us joking about bad journalism… who do I send examples to now? I’ll miss your singing. I’ll miss us discussing lunch… or any meal for that matter. I’ll miss your strange combinations for lunch.. Yoghurt AND beetroot?? I’ll miss your distinct WAY OF speaking ON the PHONE… I’ll miss our discussions on love… on Hazel… on setting up our podcasting business… we SO should have got round to that!  I’ll miss the fact that everytime you did a serious voice…it turned into a Yorkshire accent. I’ll miss discussing the plots to our novels… would we every get around to starting them?

You are one of the nicest, most intelligent, funny, geniune people I know. Let’s be honest you are also one of weirdest… but that made you also one of the coolest.

Here’s to the coolest person I know!

I’ll miss all these things about you… but most of all I will miss you.

My friend.

Rest In Peace.

Don’t be dismayed at goodbyes.  A farewell is necessary before you can meet again.  And meeting again, after moments or a lifetime, is certain for those who are friends.

Anyway we’d like to offer out big thanks to Ron Ellis and Jenny Robson for their support and of course to all at The Champion Make sure you visit their website and support them too www.champnews.com

As farces go this hilarious Ormskirk Civic Hall play by award–winning writer Peter Gordon ranks among the best I’ve seen. With imaginative and brilliant direction by Cliff Gillies, who also played a major part, and a stunning summer garden set, the comical story–line sees Alan (Rob Darby) tending his vegetable plot a week before his 50th birthday.
Secret telephone calls and messages lead him to believe that his wife, Claire (Susan Fryer), is having an affair. A chain of events are set in motion which affects not only them but two other couples. Next–door–neighbours are idle, good–for–nothing Dave (played by Cliff) and his long–suffering partner, Jill (Helen Haygarth), who waits on him hand and foot and doesn’t seem to mind never receiving any thanks. Recently separated Sarah (Joanne Wasilew) is a sitting target for lothario, Dave, who never misses an opportunity to turn on his harm to ask her out. (But he is the only one who thinks he has charm!) Then along comes Derek – a totally inept, clumsy, geeky nerd who rides a moped.
John Windsor’s portrayal of this character was brilliant with just the correct amount of humour and pathos. In true farcical fashion misunderstandings bounce around the stage. It transpires that the friends have arranged Alan’s surprise birthday party. Ah – so that’s what all the secrecy and whispering was about! Cue balloons, fairy lights, drinks and laughter.

Although Alan’s concerns are temporarily eased, the evening’s events only serve to throw everyone else’s relationships into turmoil and sow the seeds of doubt for everyone. The standard of acting in this production was off the scale despite only six rehearsals. It is no wonder that the Too Friendly Theatre
Company has been rewarded with various nominations and awards over the years. They are a joy to watch!

Score 9/10 – A blooming good night out!

“First Sight written and produced by Cliff Gillies and performed by Too Friendly Theatre Company was the first play. Cliff took the part of Matthew, the main character, who delivered the dialogue mainly as a monologue. He tells the story through a number of love letters  he has exchanged over many years with Emily, his love at first sight. His delivery was an emotional roller coaster which could not be faulted. The parts of Dave, played by Mark Haygarth and Emily plated by Helen Rawcliffe are important to the story…

…However the writing was excellent with  an unexpected twist in the denouement. This was a good short play well presented.”

Edited from the full NODA review.

“This comedy which borders on farce was a brave choice for the group and it came off… The set was very good indeed and the pace was fine. The cast worked hard and came across well with good characterizations. But what can I say about Rocco, played by Mark Haygarth, who doubled as Elvis. The poor man was pushed from pillar to post throughout the play… and handled the role extremely well. Rob Darby gave us a believable police inspector with a good accent.  Sue Thomas played Daphne for all it was worth and added to the fun. There were good performances, which I have come to expect,  from Cliff Gillies and Helen Haygarth. Lydia, played by Dot Scott and Keith, played by John Windsor, who along with Cliff led the team in what was a very enjoyable evening.”

Edited from the full NODA review.