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Yep, we've all heard that familiar cry of "there's nothing to do". But on Sheppey there is always something going on. It could be live bands playing in pubs like the Seaside Bar and Harps Inn at Minster, the Old House at Home, The Rose, the Flying Dutchman or the Admiral's Arm at Queenborough or the Castle, Queen's Head or the Heights of Alma at Sheerness. There is also regular live entertainment at the Island's social clubs and holiday parks. The Island is also lucky enough to have not one but TWO theatres: the Sheppey Little Theatre in Sheerness and the Criterion at Blue Town. Each week Sheppey Scene gathers the details for its almost legendary guide to live music, plays, art exhibitions and fascinating talks, in association with other organisations, so you don't have to. Visit our Facebook page (20+) Facebook for the latest up-to-date information. You can also catch exclusive videos on the (10) Sheppey Scene - YouTube channel.

Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! A retired schoolteacher has been appointed the first town crier for the Isle of Sheppey. Bruce Horton, 60, pipped two other contestants to the new voluntary role after a shout-off at the Criterion Theatre in Blue Town on Saturday morning (February 14). He will now become the face – and voice – of the month-long Festival of Sheppey in June. Sheppey's new town crier Bruce Horton, right, gets some advice from Mike Billingham, the town crier of Rochester. Picture: Barry Hollis After the auditions Bruce said: “I feel very humbled to have been chosen to be the first town crier for the Isle of Sheppey. Coming from across the Swale, Sheppey doesn’t always get the best of press and that is a shame and wrong. “That is why this role is so important. I see it as raising up the standing of this noble Isle with its fascinating history and welcoming people, not just among Islanders but with those who look down on it and see it as something different and other. “It IS different and other. But in a positive way. It is that side of things, bringing those positives into peoples’ lives and to remind them of all the good things, both historical and current, about Sheppey, I think is the most important part of being a crier “It is something I am looking forward to.” Retired schoolteacher Bruce Horton in full flow. Picture: James Buttenshaw of JB Imagery The father-of-one, who lives in Kemsley, near Sittingbourne, with his wife Fiona, had taught in schools for 20 years before retiring. His last one was Leigh Academy Ebbsfleet secondary school near Gravesend. Bruce added: “When I retired last year, I found I had time on my hands. I have always been a history buff and have always liked standing in front of people and talking to them, or at them, and that was something I thought I could continue doing in my retirement. “I am sure my wife is going to be very proud but also delighted that I am going to be out of the house! She says I get under her feet and that I keep meddling.” He was up against two other contenders for the title from the Isle of Sheppey. Town crier contestant Chris Reed. Picture: James Buttenshaw of JB Imagery There was flame-haired Chris Reed, another former teacher who runs the Big Fish Arts group, and former working men’s club steward and local radio presenter Ray Seager. Bruce admitted: “The competition was daunting. There were some excellent speakers. When I heard them, I became quite worried. The questions the panel asked were also probing. But overall, it was a very enjoyable process.” Ray Seager agreed to be deputy town crier. Ray Seager addressing the judges. Picture: John Nurden The panel comprised the mayor of Swale Cllr Karen Watson; the mayor of Queenborough Cllr Richard Darby; Cllr Dolley Wooster, who chairs Sheerness Town Council; Peter West, who is the curator at Eastchurch Aviation Museum and Janet Beake who chairs the board of trustees at the Criterion. Cllr Watson said: “The candidates were all absolutely amazing. They were very confident and knowledgeable. Any of them could have done Sheppey proud. But our winner just had that certain edge. “I believe this will instil more pride to Sheppey and help show off everything which is fantastic about the Island. It will also give Sheppey a voice.” The judges with the contestants for Sheppey's first town crier. Picture: Barry Hollis Jenny Hurkett, who organised the contest on behalf of the Island Forum, said: “We had three amazing candidates who were all different. Each had something unique about them. It made it very difficult for the judges. There were only a couple of points in it. But I think Bruce will do us proud.” Each candidate was given two proclamations to read, one serious and one light-hearted. Before the contest began, the current town crier from Rochester – Mike Billingham from Gillingham – turned up in his red and gold livery, tricorn hat and bell – to explain the history of the role. Mike Billingham with Swale's mayor Cllr Karen Watson. Picture: James Buttenshaw of JB Imagery Mike, a member of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers, said: “Long before we had newspapers, radio, television, telephones or the internet we had the town crier. The Normans brought what they called bellmen over when they invaded us in 1066. “The town crier’s job was to spread the news. Remember, most people could not read or write. The news could be good or bad, including announcements that the king was raising taxes again. So, no change there, then!” Town criers were appointed by towns and cities. A common misconception was that they were the king’s messengers and that people could be executed if they attacked them, hence the saying ‘don’t shoot the messenger’. Judges marked the contestants out of five in eight categories: vocal volume without microphone; clarity and projection; commanding presence; impact of entrance; sense of humour; improvisation skills’ crowd engagement and confidence. The contest was compered by Cllr John Nurden, a member of Minster-on-Sea parish council. Festival of Sheppey town crier and sheep logo

Should Sheppey have one council serving the Island? Should Halfway get its own parish council or be absorbed by Minster, Sheerness or Queenborough? Does Warden parish council need to be renamed Warden Bay? These are some of the questions to be discussed by the next Island Forum on Tuesday (January 20). Welcome to the sun-kissed Isle of Sheppey There will also be an urgent update from Lee Jarmain and Paul West from the Pyramid Project on how the Island desperately needs to support its young people who are not working or in school. Esther Marsh from the Sheppey Employment Forum will highlight a ‘No Excuses’ event to be held in March at the former Dockyard Church in Blue Town And Jenny Hurkett from the Criterion Blue Town  will give the latest low-down on ambitious plans to celebrate the Island in June with a month-long Festival of Sheppey to highlight its heritage. Jenny Hurkett, founder of the Criterion Blue Town, is masterminding a Festival of Sheppey A competition to find a town crier for the Island is also on the cards. Tuesday’s meeting begins at 6.30pm and this month will be at Sheerness East Working Men’s Club in Queenborough Road, Halfway, as part of Swale Borough Council 's public consultation into a community governance review. Cllr Mike Whiting  (Ind, Queenborough and Halfway), who chairs Swale council’s community governance review working group, said: “This is a really important moment for Swale and for Sheppey in particular. Cllr Mike Whiting. Picture: Swale Borough Council “The Community Governance Review (CGR) will help Swale Council decide whether it wants to make changes to existing parish and town councils on the Island. “Local representation will be all the more important when the government abolishes Swale Borough Council and Kent County Council in favour of a large unitary authority. “Town and parish councils can provide local input into decisions which affect their residents and can ensure local money is spent locally. "The consultation considers whether Halfway, the only area on Sheppey not to have its own parish council, should have one, or whether Halfway should be absorbed into another parish. “It also asks for views on abolishing all the town and parish councils on Sheppey and creating one large council covering and representing the whole island. "The final question is whether Warden Parish Council should change its name to Warden Bay Parish Council.” Cllr Tim Gibson. Picture: Swale Borough Council Cllr Tim Gibson (Lab, Roman) who chairs the council’s policy and resources committee, said: “When done right, parish and town councils benefit local communities. They give residents a direct voice in local affairs and provide flexibility on how funding is spent. “But we want to make it clear: having these new councils won’t be free and if set up there will be an additional charge on your council tax bill. “That is why it is incredibly important for us to hear from you; we only want to implement changes if that is what people truly want.” He added: “These options are not set in stone. Residents can help us shape the future of parish and town councils in Swale.” Does Halfway need its own parish council? Have your say by filling in the council’s questionnaire here: https://tinyurl.com/ParishCouncilSurvey  The deadline is Monday, February 9. There will be another meeting on Sheppey in Warden Bay next month. The results will shape a second consultation which will be launched in the spring. That could include changes to boundaries. For example, part of Appleford Drive is currently in Halfway and some in Minster-on-Sea. The council may suggest moving all of it into Minster-on-Sea.

Michael Crawford, who was brought up on Sheppey by his nan, has been honoured by USA President Donald Trump alongside Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor and the rock band Kiss. Trump says it was for the actor's work on Barnum and The Phantom of the Opera. But here on Sheppey we know it was really about his BBC sitcom Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em and, in particular, the 1975 Christmas special filmed on the Island. Michael Crawford drove a Hillman Imp off Neptune Jetty at Sheerness for the 1975 BBC Christmas special of Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em. Picture: Barry Hollis Many still remember with fondness the day the TV star drove a Hillman Imp off Neptune Jetty and into the sea at Sheerness. Previously, he had been filmed marooned in the car on top of the Kingsferry Bridge. Scroll down to watch a behind-the-scenes video and see how many Islanders you can recognise. We spotted the ubiquitous Ray Featherstone, who popped along to try to get footage for his Stones Film Productions and ended up becoming Crawford's "minder" for the day. Ray recalled: "I had popped out for a walk along the seafront and spotted a huge crowd and a TV crew. I didn't know what was going on but I rushed back home to get my 16mm Bolex cine camera. Ray Featherstone, left, escorts Michael Crawford along Neptune Jetty, Sheerness, as the actor prepares for a final stunt for his BBC 1975 Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em Christmas special. Picture: BBC "Whenever we staged a premier for one of our films we always had a B-film and a newsreel. I thought this would be great for the newsreel." But when he returned ready for action he was in for a surprise. "I asked the production manager if he minded me filming and he said it was fine but added that he was in big trouble because of the size of the crowd now lining the promenade. "He said he thought Sheppey was a sleepy place and hadn't expected such an interest. He admitted he didn't have enough crew to cope and asked if I could lend a hand." Ray Featherstone. Picture: Sheppey Scene Ray stowed his cherished camera in nearby Wood and Sons fishmongers for safekeeping and presented himself for work. "I thought I'd be asked to carry a tripod or something. Instead, he asked me to look after Michael for the rest of the day. I was quite aghast. Until then I hadn't even realised what the show was they were shooting. "I'd never met Michael before but my mum used to tell me he lived in The Crescent at Halfway with his gran. I used to watch him playing a cabin boy in a children's TV show about pirates." Ray escorted Michael to the Roman Catholic church hall which the star was using as a changing room. Michael Crawford crashed this Hillman Imp through a barrier at Sheerness for the 1975 Christmas special of Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em. Picture: BBC Ray said: "I waited outside as he got into a wetsuit and put his clothes on over the top. Then we walked to the jetty and I helped keep autograph-hunters away. At times, Michael signed some on the bonnet of the car. "We walked to the end of the jetty to check on the tide and I made the mistake of leaning on one of the guard rails. It fell off in my hand. They had taken all the metal ones out and replaced them with rubber ones so the car could crash through them. They also created a trellis wall for the car to drive through. "At the end of the jetty was a ramp and a cannon which fired the car into the water at high speed. "Until then, I'd just seen Michael playing an idiot on television. Now I realised how professional he was as he checked every aspect of the stunt. "There was even an oxygen cylinder in the car in case he ended up trapped under the surface and needed to breath. It as pretty dangerous stuff. "While we waited for high tide, Michael went over the road to the Napier for lunch. There was a huge crowd outside clamoring for his autograph. He let me collect autograph books and signed them in the pub." Michael Crawford waves to the crowd after completing his stunt for Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em. Picture: Barry Hollis After the stunt, which ended with Crawford waving wildly from the open sunroof of the car surrounded by waves, the star returned to the church hall to change. Ray recalled: "I waited for him outside but unknown to me he was taken out by another door and straight into a waiting car and driven away. I never got a chance to say goodbye and the production crew never even knew my name. I wasn't paid and to this day he won't know who I was." Ray's brief time of rubbing shoulders with TV royalty was captured by a BBC documentary unit shooting behind the scenes. A few seconds of Ray walking along the jetty next to Crawford was included in a Channel 5 documentary Michael Crawford: Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em. Ray said: "Purely by chance, we were both wearing black roll-neck jumpers and check jackets." He never managed to get any film of the event which turned out to one of Sheppey's enduring highlights of the small screen. But one person who caught the deed was Barry Hollis, a 21-year-old photographer on the Sheerness Times Guardian. Barry, 67, from Waverley Avenue, Minster, said: "I think it was a Sunday. I was definitely not working. Someone mentioned Michael Crawford was filming on the beach so I wandered down and ended up staying the rest of the day." He snapped away taking both colour and black and white pictures. Michael Crawford climbs out of the sunroof of the Hillman Imp after completing filming for Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em at Sheerness. Picture: Barry Hollis He said: "The stunt team spent about half a day checking everything out with Michael before he took the wheel of the car. "He was very professional, checking out how the car should react when it hit the water. The car was packed with polystyrene to help it stay afloat and had an oxygen bottle and breathing apparatus which Michael tested beforehand. "People got to hear what was happening and by the afternoon there were hundreds all lined up along the side of the Catholic church but out of sight of the cameras. "I saw the car crash through the wall, smash through the barriers at the end of the pier and then fly across the water. It all seemed to go so smoothly. It was just luck I happened to be there. "I don't think any of us realised this would become such an iconic episode." Many still remember the filming. In a post on the The Sheppey History Page on Facebook, Mark Soave wrote: "If you watch the film two people, Mick Bronger and Norman Girt, are fishing at the end of the pier. The rumour is that they were asked to move and refused so the BBC paid them £10 each to stand where they were." Mr Girt replied: "True story! But they paid us £50. We had to sign contracts in the Dolphin Cafe." Lynda Pearce swears her "other half" still has the gear knob from the Imp. Apparently the car was eventually pushed ashore by a tug from the docks. Wendy MacKenzie revealed she once refused to go on a date with the star when he was younger. She said: "He asked me out when he visited his nan. He came into the garage (Vidgens) where I worked and filled up his Lambretta scooter. He wore a blue and white striped T-shirt and was a bit spotty and skinny, so I said no." Years later he had swapped his scooter for a brand new red BMW. The episode also created controversy when it was re-shown recently. When it opens, Frank is dressed as chief of the pixies in Santa's Grotto and is called a derogatory term by a boy. The episode now carries a warning at the start saying the show "contains language and attitudes of the time that may offend." Former Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Gordon Henderson confirmed he once lived in Crawford's old home at 6 The Crescent, Halfway, which is featured in the entertainer's autobiography Parcel Arrived Safely: Tied With String. Michael Crawford's former home on the Isle of Sheppey Mr Henderson recalled: "I actually lived there for almost 30 years but I never had any fans knocking on the door. However, I remember on one occasion I was working on the roof when this huge Winnebago pulled up outside my home and Michael got out. "He wandered over and explained he had brought his gran (who he doted on) down to see her old home. He pointed at the front garden wall, which was leaning over badly and which I kept promising to repair, but never got round to it. "Michael told me proudly that he had built the wall. I said: 'I believe you!' and he gave me one of his Frank Spencer smiles. "We had a little chat about things and then he drove off. Sadly, his gran passed away a few months later." Michael Patrick Dumbell-Smith, OBE and CBE, was born in Salisbury, Wiltshire, in 1942 at the height of the Second World War after his single mum Doris moved out of London to dodge German bombers. Michael Crawford with his nan Edith Pike She later moved back to Sheppey where she lived with her Irish-born mother Edith Pike in what Crawford described as a "close-knit Roman Catholic family". His grandmother lived to be 99. In a 1996 interview, Crawford said: "My early memories of life were always of large-breasted aunts. I was always nestled in someone's bosom. I thought life was wonderful. "They were some of the best years of my life. I didn't get near another bosom until I was 19 or 20." Crawford, who turns 84 later this month (January 19) now switches between his two homes in south west London and New Zealand. He lives with his American-born wife Natasha McAller, a former dancer. They met while performing in the 1991 production of The Phantom of the Opera in Los Angeles. Video: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1488251282278120   * Quotes first published by John Nurden on Kent Online, November 2022.

It’s not often one man can hold a hushed audience in the palm of his hand for 75 minutes without a break. But award-winning actor James Hyland has mastered the mesmerising art. James Hyland as the ghost of Jacob Marley As the houselights dimmed at the Criterion Blue Town on Saturday (December 13) Hyland, painted in grey from head to foot as the ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge’s late departed business partner Jacob Marley made a spectacular entrance. He blasted through the curtains from the wings accompanied by blood-curdling cries of screaming spirits trapped between worlds of heaven and earth and then stumbled across the stage weighed down by clanking iron chains. This was clearly not going to be a happy, musical Muppet version of one of Charles Dickens’ most loved tales. James Hyland on stage at the Criterion Blue Town You will know the story. Skinflint Scrooge has been working late in the office with his trusty but woefully underpaid clerk Bob Cratchit and now, alone in his bed, the three ghosts of Christmas past, present and future come knocking on his door. Each visit becomes more terrifying than the last. This was heart-in-the-mouth theatre in its finest form as Hyland delivered line after faultless line of perfect prose brought to life with exquisite detail and the cleverest of subtle mime. How does one man playing all these parts make this happen without any props or special effects, save for a single wooden chair placed stage centre? James Hyland backstage preparing to change into the ghost of Jacob Marley It can only be magic. Or rigorous rehearsals to get every nuanced movement and gasp on breath just so. Of course, Hyland has been doing this one-man show since 2009 so he should have the hang of it by now. He not only stars in the production but he also wrote the script and directs. It seems impossible that one man could be so talented, although, to be fair, Nicki Martin-Harper’s costume of rags and moth-eaten mittens, and her make-up design, have a lot to answer for. Perhaps it’s best not to ask how Hyland’s eyes glow evilly red while on stage. As one shell-shocked audience member remarked after the show: “I have no idea how he managed to remember all those words. It was like a West End performance.” For those who missed it, the good news is that Hyland will return to this venue at Halloween (October 31) next year for an even more sinister and thought-provoking production of the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. See it, if you dare… Sheppey Scene rating: ***** More production details from brotherwolf.org.uk Hear and see James Hyland talking about A Christmas Carol - as told by Jacob Marley (Deceased) here...

Sheppey’s Shaun Williamson has been given an early Christmas present following a surprise top-secret phone call from the producers of EastEnders. Top quizzer Shaun, 60, had been unceremoniously killed off by BBC soap bosses more than 20 years ago after signing up for panto at Canterbury’s The Marlowe Theatre  against their wishes. Barry (Shaun Williamson) is a pushover when wife Janine (Charlie Brooks) shoves him off a cliff. Picture: BBC Viewers were shocked when they watched his scheming on-screen wife Janine Butcher (Charlie Brooks) push his hapless character Barry Evans off a cliff in 2004. It looked like there was no way back. But in a scene worthy of Dallas*, BBC EastEnders  is bringing Barry back from the dead for a one-off episode next month. Shaun’s real-life wife Adele quipped on social media: "This call definitely wasn’t on my bingo card for 2025. But we’ll take it!” Barry (Shaun Williamson) will be reunited with Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley) on EastEnders. Picture: BBC Barry will appear in a vision to Nigel Bates (Paul Bradley), who is suffering from dementia, in the Queen Vic pub. With him will be Barry’s stepmother Pat (Pam St Clement). Barry previously had a feud with Pat, who he refused to forgive for her affair with Frank Butcher. But the two will put aside their differences to help Nigel in his time of need. Ben Wadey, the soap’s executive producer, said: "I’m delighted to welcome Shaun back. "Barry Evans was renowned for being one of Walford’s unluckiest residents. So it was a privilege to welcome him back alongside Pat for these special scenes in The Vic." Barry, a hapless minicab boss, first appeared in the soap in December 1994. His first wife Natalie (Lucy Speed) left him and his second wife murdered him. Pam St Clement returns as Pat. Picture: BBC Pat, too, is coming back from the dead. She married Barry’s father in 1996 but died of cancer on New Year’s Day 2012. Shaun admitted: “It was a complete shock getting the call to go back to Albert Square. But it is so exciting! "I have to admit to having a few nerves when I walked back onto the set of The Queen Victoria but it was so great to work with old friends and colleagues on such a brilliant episode.” He added: “It just goes to show, you never know what’s around the corner!" A younger Shaun Williams first time around as Barry Evans in EastEnders. Picture: BBC The Maidstone-born actor now lives on Sheppey and has built up a successful career as a celebrity karaoke star touring his Barrioke  show across the country and abroad. He has also proved himself a top quizzer having raised more than £350,000 for charity. Shaun spent a year competing in the UK Quiz Grand Prix as research for his book A Matter Of Facts which details the world of elite general knowledge quizzing competitions. During this time he became a Top 50 ranked player in the UK. During an appearance on ITV's  Beat the Chasers  (in which he won £120,000 for The Paul Strank Charitable Trust based in south London), the Dark Destroyer described him as "celebrity quizzing royalty". Quiz fans might like to know that Barry was not the only character Shaun played in EastEnders. He also had a brief role as a paramedic in 1994. After a stint in the Royal Navy, Shaun returned to civvy street and took a job in Safeway supermarket in Walderslade. But in 1991, aged 26, he decided to switch careers and signed up to the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art . Shaun will be back in panto next month playing the baddie Abanazer alongside Rustie Lee in Aladdin at the King’s Theatre, Portsmouth. The panto which got him into trouble with BBC bosses was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs with Toyah Willcox at the Marlowe Theatre. He played Muddles the Court Jester. Shaun Williamson Newspaper reports suggested he had been sacked from the BBC soap but he said at the time it had been his decision to go. He said: "I have accepted the lead in a Kevin Wood musical pantomime at the Marlowe in Canterbury for Christmas 2003. Unfortunately, EastEnders contracts don't allow it. So I have taken the decision to leave." EastEnders renewed his contract until November which gave bosses just enough time to kill him off! • In 1986 Bobby Ewing’s ex-wife Pamela discovered him alive and having a shower after “dreaming” he had been killed off for the entire previous season.

By Bel Austin The place to be on Saturday night was Sheppey Little Theatre. On offer was a programme of home-grown talent coming together to produce a show celebrating half a century of entertainment. Yes - it really was 50 years to the day that Sheppey’s community theatre opened its doors to the first concert on October 25, 1975. Showcase 50 souvenir programme at the Sheppey Little Theatre Happily, an appreciative audience helped to roll back the years, watch energetic youngsters strut their stuff and listen to established groups singing in harmony.   It was an informal evening with veteran Derek Friday, chairman of Sheppey Entertainment Association, compering the acts in a smart, white tux or in his country yokel smock raising laughs with his Newington Concert Party colleagues Kevin Hayre and David Stevens. The three yokels featuring Derek Friday, Kevin Hayre and David Stevens. Picture: SEA NCP’s fourth member Clare Derek also gave a solo sketch called Thereby Hangs A Tail. Back to the 70s disco with Starquest Performing Arts. Picture: SEA The opening seventies disco dance routines by Starquest School of Performing Arts, which are based at the theatre, set the pace with Jack, the one lone male, fitting easily into the troupe. Starquest dancers perform a medley from the Wizard of Oz. Picture: SEA They returned with musical tributes to the Wizard of Oz, Queen and Abba. Manic Monkeys taking a bow at the Sheppey Little Theatre. Picture: SEA Youth group The Manic Monkeys introduced a tiny bit of magic as they took the audience on a theatrical history lesson from early Greek tragedy to a more modern Muppets-inspired comical puppet routine to the tune Row, Row, Row The Boat. Sounds Familiar sounding spooky at the Sheppey Little Theatre. Picture: SEA The women-only eight-piece Sounds Familiar are always easy on the ear and their selection of Halloween-inspired songs while clad in mysterious dark cloaks added more than a little nostalgia beginning with I Put A Spell On You and ending with Little Shop of Horrors. The Isle of Sheppey Singers on stage at the Sheppey Little Theatre. Picture: SEA The 21-strong Isle of Sheppey Singers, looking smart with green bowties for the chaps and green scarves for the ladies, tugged at the heart strings with their choice of music including Come Follow The Band and the Lambeth Walk. Janet Ransley accompanied them on piano. Newington Concert Party at the Sheppey Little Theatre. Picture: SEA The four-piece Newington Concert Party, led by compere Derek, gave us a five-song medley including crowd favourite Sweet Caroline. Meyrick Minstrels performed Hernando's Hideaway using torches. Picture: SEA The nine-piece Meyrick Minstrels proved the show must go on.  The recent loss of their leader Yvonne Walker weighs heavily on them. But they painted on smiles and sang their socks off with a six-song medley including Hernando’s Hideaway, complete with effective torch routine, and Abba’s Thank You For The Music. Finale of Showcase 50 at the Sheppey Little Theatre. Picture: SEA The whole company returned to the stage at the end of the night for an emotional rendition of There’s No Business Like Show Business. Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Kevin McKenna, second left, joined some of the volunteers at the Sheppey Little Theatre Among those invited to the golden anniversary bash were deputy Lord Lieutenant Paul Auston (who was represented by Lady Melville), Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Kevin McKenna, Swale mayor Cllr Karen Watson and her husband Allan and theatre patron Elizabeth Tullberg, a former Kent Deputy Lieutenant.   On stage there was no pomp or ceremony just "ordinary "people enjoying the best in entertainment Sheppey had to offer. As the evening wore on it, was small wonder that "ghosts" of personalities who had once trodden the theatre's boards were brought sharply into focus. Author Jeremy Thornton Too many to mention, but they had their names in roll of honour in a souvenir booklet compiled by volunteer Jeremy Thornton selling at £10. It includes everyone from visionaries and performers to backstage staff and volunteers who helped turn a neglected church Sunday school hall into a working theatre with stage, raked seating and bar in the basement. Saturday proved that whatever setbacks half a century might throw up, the show must go on.

A swimmer saved from drowning has praised his three school children rescuers. Wayne Sullivan, 63, was plucked from the sea off the Isle of Sheppey by the alert youngsters aged 12 to 13 while adults allegedly looked on and did nothing. Mr Sullivan, who spent four days in intensive care, said from his home in Minster: “If it hadn’t been for those three, I wouldn’t be here now. Heroes Ella Selfe, Max Markham and Jersie Wiles. Picture: John Nurden “Those lovely kids took charge of the situation and used their initiative to pull me out of the water and onto the beach. Their bravery saved my life. I am such a lucky man.” The former Royal Marine who served in the Falklands needed his lungs pumped clear of water and now has pneumonia. But he vowed: “When I am better I’d love to meet them. I am so grateful.” He added: “I was told later that other grown up bystanders on the beach were just standing around filming it. Luckily, these kids could see I was in a very bad way. They were extremely brave to do what they did. I must have had angels on my side.” The wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery bomb ship He said: “I’m normally a very strong swimmer and quite fit for a 63-year-old. It’s not unusual for me to swim to the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery bomb ship and back. “I was feeling a bit down so I went for a swim to cheer myself up. The water was very calm and flat and I was enjoying the swim immensely. “I was about three-quarters of a mile out when I decided to head back and realised the tide had turned and I was swimming against it. “Then I suffered a severe attack of cramp in one leg where I have an arthritic knee. “My leg seized from my ankle to my thigh. I was swimming with just one leg. I have never had cramp like it.” He went on: “Because of my military training, I didn’t panic. But I started to sink and I went under half a dozen times. I tried to float on my back but I had exhausted myself and started to submerge. The seafront at The Leas, Minster “I began swallowing water and became disorientated. It felt like my time had come. “Those brilliant, lovely kids are proper heroes. They waded out and dragged me in and put me on the beach and called the ambulance. They put me in the recovery position and knew about CPR. “I am so grateful. If it had not been for them, I wouldn’t be here now. It shows there are some really good youngsters around.” Doctors later said three-quarters of his lungs were flooded and that his oxygen levels were less than10%. Mr Sullivan, who is suffering from the effects of pneumonia brought on by his ordeal, said: “People knock the NHS and Medway Maritime Hospital but the staff were so professional. I am such a very lucky man. I was seconds from dying. When doctors called my family from the hospital they said I only had a 50-50 chance of surviving.” Heroes Jersie Willes, Max Markham and Ella Selfe. Picture: John Nurden The drama happened at lunch time on Wednesday (July 24) on The Leas at Minster. Max Markham, a 12-year-old pupil from Borden Grammar School, was celebrating the first week of the school summer holidays on the beach with his cousin Ella Selfe and her friend Jersie Wiles. The girls are both13 and go to Highsted Girls Grammar in Sittingbourne. Max from Charlock Drive, Minster, said: “We were having a paddle when we noticed a man struggling in the water. “I swam over to see if he was all right but he was gasping for air and trying to reach out to me. So I grabbed his arm to help him. “Ella was still in the shallows so I called her over to come to help me get him out.” Ella from Beckley Road, Sheerness, said: “I swam over to grab the man’s other arm to help Max take him in. By the time we got him to the edge of the water, Jersie had already run to the Sweet Hut to get help and a woman came down to help us. “We had all of the man’s weight on us because he was so weak.” The Sweet Hut on The Leas at Minster, Sheppey Max said: “Together we dragged him out. Jersie had run to the Sweet Hut because no one else was helping us on the beach. “A lady came down to help. We had the man out of the water and laid him down on some towels. “While we were doing that, Jersie rang for the ambulance.” Jersie from Kent Avenue, Minster, called the emergency services. She said: “I rang the ambulance and got through and they asked me lots of questions. It was the first time I had ever dialled 999. It was quite scary because I was in shock as well. But I had to do it to get the help the man needed. “I was doing that while everyone else was trying to support the man. The ambulance came quite quickly.” She added: “We stayed with the man when the first ambulance arrived but when the second came we decided it was best to walk off and leave it to them.” Max said: “Looking back, it doesn’t feel real. It was quite scary.” Luckily, all three are good swimmers. Max said: “That definitely helped.” No lifeguards patrol this stretch of the beach any more It is the second year running the RNLI has been unable to provide lifeguards to patrol that stretch of coastline because of a lack of recruits. Max, who captains the Sheppey United under-13s football team, said: “It’s not that great because when people are struggling there is no one to help them.” Ella, who also captains the Sheerness East under-14s boys’ football squad, added: “Especially when it was just us kids and people were just watching us get a man out of the water and they weren’t helping. There were loads of adults sitting on the beach and just watching us. “If there had been lifeguards they could have helped us.” Jersie, a member of Sheerness Swimming Club team, said: “When I went into the Sweet Hut they said they didn’t have anyone medically trained so that wasn’t helpful. Lifeguards are definitely needed.” Sheppey St John Ambulance volunteers staff a first aid tent at weekends Volunteers from Sheppey St John Ambulance are now providing first aid cover along the beach from 10am to 4pm every weekend and bank holiday until September 1. Asked if he’d give any advice to swimmers, Max said: “Don’t swim alone so at least you have someone to help you if you get into difficulties.” Mr Sullivan said: “It is appalling there are no lifeguards along that beach.” All the parents have praised their quick thinking children. Max’s mum Anneka said: “We are all really proud of the way they acted. “Their quick thinking saved a man’s life. They were in the right place at the right time and did all the right things. Max saw someone in trouble and his nature is to help, so that's exactly what he did on the day.” Ella’s mum Bex Selfe said: “They were really brave and confident. It's really nice to have some good feedback about your children. “Both Max's family and myself feel passionately about making sure they can swim well because we've always lived on the Island.” When RNLI lifeguards patrolled Minster beach. Picture: John Nurden Jersie’s dad Ross Wiles said: “We are massively proud. They saved his life and prevented a family from suffering.” Their actions were first highlighted on social media by Jade Williams, who saw the incident unfold and praised the youngsters. She wrote: “To the parents of Max Markham, Ella Selfe and Jersie Wiles. Please know that your kids have just done an incredible thing. “Between them they pulled a man out of the water at the beach, stayed with him and called an ambulance.” Their heroism was also brought up at Swale Borough Council’s full meeting on Thursday night by Sheerness councillor Dolley Wooster. The Labour councillor said: “They decided not to walk away and made tricky decisions under pressure, including a very professional 999 call. “We are incredibly proud of them. A lot of adults could learn from that type of behaviour. “There is a certain perception of our young people. They aren’t ‘feral’ – they are of excellent quality.” A spokeswoman for South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed it received reports of a swimmer in need of medical attention at Minster Leas around 1pm on Wednesday. She added: “Crews assessed and treated one person at the scene before taking them to Medway Maritime Hospital for further medical treatment.” In July 2023, Swale council, which covers the wages for lifeguards on Sheppey, announced that Minster beach would no longer have a patrol because of difficulties recruiting. Instead, the RNLI has focussed its seven days a week Island cover on Sheerness and Leysdown. A Swale Borough Council spokesman said last year: “The council has worked with the RNLI for 10 years to provide lifeguard cover at Swale’s bathing beaches, with incidents remaining low. “In recent years the RNLI has struggled to recruit local lifeguards and has been relying on bringing in people from other areas to cover our beaches. “Now, for a range of global reasons, other areas are also struggling to recruit so the pool of specially trained lifeguards is smaller. “Because of this, the RNLI has taken a decision based on risk assessments to prioritise the busy Leysdown beach and Sheerness beach where the currents are more likely to catch people unaware. “This means the quieter Minster Leas beach will not have a lifeguard presence this year and despite meeting all of the rest of criteria such as water quality will be unable to fly the Blue Flag.” Charlie Frame, RNLI Lead Lifeguard Supervisor also said last year: “Despite our best efforts, we have struggled to find new recruits to fill all the roles we have. But we’re confident the cover being provided is appropriate for the risk profiles of the Island’s beaches. “We did have several local people interested in what is a fantastic summer job but they either didn’t complete their application or weren’t able to meet the necessary standard for working on open water.” Official advice is to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you see anyone in trouble in the sea. If you would like to become a lifeguard visit the RNLI's Find a Job webpage. It pays £12.30 to £14.10 an hour. Watch exclusive video of the youngsters here https://youtu.be/MI5d8hbmTG4