Willie Riley Entertainment Evening 1866 - 1961

I was delighted to be invited to spend an evening with Silverdale Village Players who were celebrating the life of novelist William Riley. He was born in Laisterdyke Bradford, in 1919 he moved to Silverdale for the sake of his wife’s health, and named his house ‘Windy Ridge’ after his novel.

In his autobiography, Sunset Reflections 1957, he recalls tales of his life in Silverdale where amongst other activities he was chair of the Building Committee for the Gaskell Memorial Hall. Riley became involved and played a leading role in the founding of Silverdale Village Players in 1922, he is buried in the church yard. 2016 is the 150th anniversary of Riley’s birth and the evening’s entertainment was in his honour.

The hall was packed the night that I came along, and what a delightful evening’s entertainment I had. I very much enjoyed the opening narrated readings by members telling his life in the village followed by a musical interlude.

The first short play ‘The Lord’s Poor Brother’ was new to me, so I had no preconceived ideas about the plot or cast, each and every cast member was excellent. A future star perhaps was Rosie Shone, she has a good stage presence enhanced by lovely facial expressions, well done Rosie.

The final short play was ‘A Late Harvest’ all the cast played their parts well, each character from the main to the smaller parts were extremely well presented, a play that came over in style, the costumes and props reflected the period well.

I did enjoy the sing a long from the 1920’s and I am sure that all the audience did too. Thank you for inviting me, you did Willie Riley proud and I am sure that he would have approved of the glass of wine which toasted the 150th anniversary of his birth. A lovely evening.

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