The Purim Party was held on Sunday 20th March 2005, and it was an opportunity for some of the members to try their luck in the 'Pop Idol' style - acting, miming, dancing or even signing songs.

About 12 people tried their luck in front of the audience and at break time, the audience gave their votes to the compere (me - yours truly!) The voters were only allowed 2 choices per person. After counting the votes, there was a clear winner, but there were two others who were jointly in 2nd place, so it was decided to award prizes for both runners-up!

The winner was Lorraine Silver, with her exotic belly-dancing act! It was, to say the least, a bit risqué in parts, but the audience toasted her great talent in body-curling feats! The runners-up were Rachel Holder and Irene Spielsinger.

Earlier that afternoon, there was a performance by the trio, Lydia Handscomb, Issy Schlisselman and Anthony Spielsinger, who acted some sketches about schooldays. Lydia and Anthony played star-crossed school pupils and Issy was the stern schoolmaster. Full of comic turns and double innuendos, there were plenty of laughs for the audience. Many thanks must go to the trio for the last minute rope-in - and, despite very little time for rehearsing beforehand, their play-acting went down a storm!

There was also a grand raffle, with all prizes generously donated by Anthony and Irene Spielsinger and extra prizes also donated by Ruth Lawrence, Eva Mansell and Lorraine Silver. There were many winners with happy faces when the numbers were announced!

We at the Central Committee wish to thank the five members for their generous donations.

Needless to say, after all that excitement, we all happily munched the Hamantaschen (Purim cakes) amongst other delicious food!

Roll on Purim 2006!

Ilan Dwek