Years of poems and humour

The anniversary of The Southdowners was marked with a party held by founder and longest-serving member Margaret Benet.

A total of 18 former and current members went along to her home in Defiance Place to mark the special occasion with memories and chatter.

The group performs at homes, hospices, hospitals and groups such as WIs with a 45-minute medley of humourous poems, prose and music.

Mrs Benet said: 'I just love being in the group. It's lovely going out and seeing people, who are perhaps a little bit down, hearing the songs and laughing a little.'

She started The Southdowners in 1987 from Felpham Southdown WI from which its name was derived.

Some of the WI members began to read poetry in 1984 in each others' homes. They were then asked to perform for the WI's Christmas party in 1987 to lead the way to the current range of performances.

The Southdowners has eight members from Fishbourne to Rustington. Mrs Benet is the youngest member at 65. The oldest is 90, with an 82-year-old also taking part. They perform two types of show a year '“ one for Christmas with festive poetry and readings and the other for the rest of the year. This features music from the First World War up to Phantom of the Opera.

They are kept busy. Last year's schedule consisted of 47 bookings with 48 this year. They will perform their latest Christmas show 14 times from mid-November. A further ten bookings are already in place for 2009.

Rehearsing each show takes them six weeks. They have performed in an area from Rudgwick to Mengham on Hayling Island and Lancing.

Money raised by the group this year has seen 600 go to an animal charity. Others to benefit have included St Wilfrid's Hospice, Macmillan Nurses and Cancer Research UK. Further details from Mrs Benet on 01243 584395.