M.M.S. Magazine - Summer 1957

I woke up with a prickling sensation down the back of my neck. I had a feeling something was going to happen. Suddenly I heard a laugh, a quiet one, which rose however to a screech. Then I heard a footfall just outside a door, near me.

As I watched the door slowly opened. Thump, thump, thump, went the footsteps and into the room came a figure. I suddenly found my hair rising on my head and goose pimples were breaking out all over me.

The figure moved slowly across the floor and sat on one of the benches by the table. A bat flitted across the room into my face. Then the room seemed to be filled with things and shapes. When I raised my head I saw that the two benches at the table were filled. I also noticed that the room was filled with a strange glow which came from the table. All those sitting at the table were strangely dressed and carried swords.

Suddenly I heard a noise and into the room walked a man, that is to say from a distance he looked like a man. He, too, was queerly dressed but he had hardly any skin, and his face was exactly like a skull. He sent shivers down my spine.

Slowly "he" or "it" moved towards the table where he sat down in the big armchair. After a while he spoke; his voice seemed to come from the bottom of a deep pit or hole. I cannot remember what he said but I did not like the sound of it at all.

It did not take me long to realise that they were spirits or ghosts. Some more came in bearing dishes and they all ate and drank a lot.

Suddenly the leader rose and began to walk towards me. On he came, step by step, slowly and very deliberately. I got up, stood still for a moment, then ran—out of the doors, down the steps and out on to the moor. After me came all those who had been at the table.

I ran on and on until suddenly I tripped and fell. At that moment dawn showed up over the edge of the moor. One by one the figures disappeared into the moor. Shakily I staggered to my feet and set off walking.

I soon found a road and an inn where I rested. Perhaps I had only imagined it all, but it seemed so real at the time.

The adjudicator this year was Mr. Rose, the Drama Lecturer, of Bretton Hall, who brought his expert knowledge and experience to bear on our efforts. The four plays presented, with their respective producers, were as follows: —

Blackburn—"Joan the Maid," Mr. Dormand.
Thornton—"The Old Bull," Mr. Hinkins.
Hardy—"The Willow Pattern," Mr. Haycock.
Bury—"The Stolen Prince," Mr. Kenyon.

Commenting generally (Ed.) "Joan the Maid" was pleasing for its quiet dignity and simplicity; "The Old Bull" for its country atmosphere; "The Willow Pattern," for its charm and beauty of setting; "The Stolen Prince" for its breezy humour.

The adjudicator awarded his points, making the winner Thornton's “The Old Bull."

Best individual performances were awarded to:
Girl—M. Harson (Blackburn).
Boy—Rodney Smith (Thornton).