An impressive 50 years of sterling service

Practically every drama club and musical society can boast a member who has given sterling service to them over an enormous number of years.

Few of this dedicated band has a better record at one club than Dawn Barrah with St Paul's Players of Southville.

A former deputy head of Brentry Primary School, Dawn has always loved working with young people in both her profession and hobby. It was nearly 50 years ago when she joined founder members Mary and Max Pemberton at St Paul's and since then has done virtually every job connected to the group on and off stage, notching up 43 years as secretary.

She finally relinquished that post earlier this year, citing her dislike of modern technology. Texts and emails would indeed be an anathema to someone who above all else likes to talk to people if there are any problems to sort out.

Dawn's love of working with young players is shown in her favourite plays. Top of the list comes the work of David Wood, whose plays are not only great fun but also ask those taking part to occasionally look at the more serious side of life. Save the Humans and The See Saw Tree' are the two which top her list.

Her choice as a performer, gives away her west Wales roots, namely Dylan Thomas' wonderful lyrical Under Milk Wood in which she played Mrs Dai Bread Two and Mrs Ogmore-Prichard.

In recent years St Paul's Players have, like others, had difficulties in retaining a regular base. Some productions have been mounted at Long Ashton and others at Backwell. Happily most of their work can now be seen in St Paul's Church on Coronation Road in Southville.

In between her professional work, service to St Paul's Players, and for many years as a member of the Bristol Festival organising committee, Dawn also found time to act as a foster mother. Anyone who ever saw her with any of her charges will vouch for the fact that they were indeed lucky to have found such a loving and caring person to take care of them.

Dawn, who lives in Portishead with her husband Patrick, still keeps a close eye on the club and its activities.

Three very different productions end their runs on Saturday.

Sodbury Vale Musical Comedy Club presents Hot Mikado, a modern version of the Gilbert and Sullivan favourite at the Town Hall, Chipping Sodbury, Keynsham Light Opera Group's production of The Cole Porter classic Kiss Me Kate is at the Saltford Hall and in the Newman Hall, Westbury-on-Trym, St Ursula Players offer the very funny A Month of Sundays.