Evening Telegraph 14th April 1961
'COUNTRY MELODY' SET IN NORTHAMPTONSHIRE
The Rushden Court Estate Players' presentation of, "Country Melody"—a musical comedy—had its first night on Wednesday at the Church Room, Court Estate.
Devised, written and composed by Peter Whelan, who also plays a part in the play, "Country Melody" is set in' the village of Fair Oaks in Northamptonshire — in contrast to last year's production, "Serenade in Maytime", which was set in Switzerland.
This is the fourth show Mr. Whelan has written and produced for the Court Estate Players. He began writing in August, later than usual, and the first full dress rehearsal was held on Friday.
It tells the story of a young London author (Raymond King) who comes to live in the village of Fair Oaks to get the atmosphere for a book he is writing about country life.
He meets, and falls in love with, Patricia Bramhall (Bonita Bowes), daughter of Lady Bramhall (Jean Hunt), who lives in the village. Matters are complicated when his former girl friend—played by Marian Bradshaw— arrives at Fair Oaks from London.
However, his faithful house-keeper, Agnes (Lily Hartop), is on hand to sort things out by doing a little scheming.
"Country Melody", which finishes tomorrow, features eleven musical numbers, including "Along by the River Nene".
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From the Parish Magazine, May 1961
Court Estate Players-The performances on April 12th to 15th of "Country Melody" reflected great credit upon Mr. Peter Whelan, author, composer and producer, and the cast. Fully reported in the local press we can only add that our hall nearly burst at the seams in containing the large and appreciative audiences each evening: and that we are very much indebted to all concerned in providing the social event of our year.
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| From the Parish Magazine, May 1961
Confirmed on May 17th 1961 by Bishop Stewart:
Sylvia Jean Cook, Sandra Elizabeth Cook, Susan Mary Hubbard, Richard King Hubbard, Richard James Edward Masters, Pamela Elizabeth Sinfield, Diane Stocker. It should be regarded as the duty of every communicant to help these young people to persevere in regular attendance at church. With the coming of June we are launched into the Sundays after Trinity when we concentrate our efforts on seeking with God’s help to live the Christian life.
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