Wednesday 30th May 2001

            FESTIVAL ART EXHIBITION in the Assembly Room, Downham Market Town Hall. We are just about half way through the week of this exhibition. Don’t miss the chance to see over one hundred paintings by members of Downham Art Circle. Nearly all of the works of art will be for sale. Admission is free.

            JINGLES AND SPARKLES ENTERTAIN in the Town Hall.  This morning’s special show for young people sees a welcome return to the Town Hall stage of Jingles and this year he brings with him his partner Sparkles to present a morning of fun and laughter. Jingles and Sparkles promise that this will not be a quiet and peaceful morning but a time to laugh and be amazed by their clowning and magic. Admission is £1 per person (payable at the door) and includes refreshments for the children served by members of the Ladies Friendship Circle. Adults are welcome to come and watch the show but are asked to sit at the sides of the Hall so that the children can see. The Festival Committee requests that all children under 5 are accompanied by an adult throughout the show.  The Festival Committee are very grateful to Heygates Ltd. for their sponsorship of this event.

            SILVERDALE DAY CENTRE – OPEN DAY at the Howdale Community Centre. The members and friends of the Silverdale Day Centre invite you to visit them at their regular Wednesday meeting. Here is a chance for you to find out more about what goes on at Silverdale. The Mayor will be there at 1pm with a portion of the Festival Cake. Refreshments will be available for all visitors.

            The Collectors World at HERMITAGE HALL is open again today and there is a special offer of 50p discount on the admission price for all who carry a copy of the Festival Programme when they visit. (One discount per programme.)

            DRAUGHTS COMPETITION on the large draughts board near to the Town Clock on the Market Place. This is a traditional competition that is as old as the Festival itself. The team from the Festival Committee competes against the Mayor’s Team. There is a trophy to be won. Spectators are welcome to ensure that these upstanding members of local community are not tempted to cheat just a little.

            DENNIS SNEEZUM COURT – OPEN AFTERNOON. Maureen, Pat and Beryl invite you to meet them and their colleagues at Dennis Sneezum Court for an afternoon of Entertainment and Stalls. Dennis Sneezum Court is off Trafalgar Road and all visitors will be warmly welcomed. Refreshments will be available and admission is by the purchase of a raffle ticket. You could win by just going there.

            TEA DANCE in Downham Market Town Hall. Music supplied by Reg Rose. Chances to try out those dances that perhaps you haven’t had a go at for some time. Don’t be shy, its rather like riding a bike, you don’t forget how. Admission is only £2 (payable at the door) and refreshment will be served during the afternoon.

            CHILDREN’S TEA PARTY with FUN on the Market Place or in the Bar Room of the Town Hall if wet. A chance for the youngsters to turn up and have some fun. There will be some games as well as tea. Admission is free providing you are wearing a home-made explorer’s hat or a home-made mask representing something that explorer’s may meet on their expeditions.

            DOWNHAM TENNIS CLUB - OPEN EVENING at the Memorial Playing Field Tennis Courts, Lynn Road (near to the Swimming Pool). Come and play tennis. Adults and children over the age of 12 years, of all abilities, are all welcome. Racquets are available to borrow. Please wear suitable footwear. No charge – just turn up and have a go. For more information contact 01366 387423.

            “COMBINED DELIGHTS” - a mix of costume and social history (including unmentionables and other feminine garments) – a dash of pure cabaret. Downham Market Women’s Institute invites you to join them at the Town Hall for this fascinating evening. Mrs Rosemary Hawthorne (Fashion Historian) will give an entertaining talk on the enigmatic subject of ladies’ undergarments through the ages. Mrs Hawthorne is a former professional actress, now internationally renowned as the “Knicker Lady” on television, radio and in newspapers and magazines.

            Tickets are available, in advance, from Downham Information Centre, The Priory Centre, priced £3.75 (including light refreshments). There will be an opportunity to have your antique hats, clothes and bags dated and valued.