We did it our way

A poignant moment saw many a damp eye on stage and among an audience which included long-term supporters of Bexhill Old Time Music Hall Society and former members of the company.

Yet it was also a moment of artistic triumph.

Saturday's closing night of the aptly-named Final Curtain is also likely to be the last time Bexhill will laugh at, sing along with and enjoy the talents of an amateur company which has raised tens of thousands of pounds for charity.

BOTMS grew out of an old time musical staged by Round Table and the now-defunct Bexhill Ladies' Circle.

Dwindling numbers - certainly not dwindling support for a company which has always been a sell-out certainty - spelled the end.

A tough decision was taken. Better to go out on a high note than to wither into decline.

And a high note it certainly was.

Under Bob Cavendish's direction and with Ray Barry as compere, many of the best elements and choicest memories of the past three decades on the St Peter's Community Centre stage were distilled.

Final Curtain gave BOTMS' loyal supporters one last show to treasure in memory.

For one last time, Rosemary Henley was "at the pianoforte", assisted by her daughter Keira.

With Good Olde London Town, featuring numbers like Following In Father's Footsteps", as the opening routine the stage was set.

Rona Morton delivered The Rose with assurance, Josie Cavendish and Graham Forsyth milked the last drop of humour from pensioners Albert and Maisie's advanced years.