SOCIAL WHIST DRIVE - A record number of players came to the New Strand for the first whist drive in 2012. MC Phillip Jenkins welcomed several new players. Prizes were won by Anne Preece, Kath Jenkins Nocky Handley, Krit, Olive Howells and Phil Farmer.

The next gathering will be on February 27, with play starting at 7.45pm.

SUCCESS - Readers may be interested to know of a rising star and impressive newcomer in the BBC 1 Sunday six-part drama Call the Midwife. Jessica Raine is the daughter of Allan and Sue Lloyd, formerly of Eardisley. She has the leading role of Jenny Worth, the midwife on whose memoirs the series is based. It is set in the East End of London in the 1950s amid the poverty and violence of the Docklands. Jessica can relate to the unfamiliarity with the new surroundings, as she grew up at Great Quebb Farm in Eardisley, which is a world away from London. This is only her second TV role as she encountered a few obstacles before getting the chance to realise her dream. Like Jenny who wasn’t happy in her first job as a secretary, Jessica turned to teaching in Thailand after being rejected by drama schools. But on her return to England, still with no luck, her fortunes turned when RADA called her back. In her first stage role, Harper Regan in 2008, she played the daughter of Lesley Sharp. Then in her first film, Robin Hood in 2010, she shared the screen with Eileen Atkins. Jessica’s father Allan was for many years a member of the Eardisley Little Theatre and performed in its plays and pantomimes.

FELICITY ASTON - Felicity, who is currently well on her expedition across Antarctica, is planning to be at Eardisley Primary School on the morning of March 2, and in the village hall at 7.30pm for a presentation. To reserve £5 tickets please contact 01544 327598 or dbennett195@binternet .com.