The compere and founder of a senior citizens’ show, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, said he was “very disappointed” the curtain had come down for the final time.
Usually held over a weekend in early March, the show was organised by Alsager Round Table with support from the town’s Rotary and Tangent clubs.
But the popular event, for which up to 500 tickets would be sold for the Saturday and Sunday performances, was pulled “with regret” due to rising costs.
The senior citizens’ show was launched 50 years ago by Alsager man John Grint MBE, who has also been its long-standing MC.
It was a big draw for the town’s older people and free transport was always organised for those who needed it, to get them to the show and back home afterwards.
During the late afternoon and early evening shows, they were served food and drink and clapped and sang along to a variety of acts, which included Round Tablers dressing up as some of pop’s big names. Alsager’s shops and supermarkets provided much of the food.
Last year, there was a surprise appearance on screen by Robbie Williams, with a pre-recorded message of congratulations from the Burslem-born superstar to Mr Grint on his 50 years as MC.
Mr Grint said he had not been officially told that the show had come to an end, and that many people had been stopping him in Alsager to ask what was happening this year.
He said: “Having organised and compered the senior citizens show for 50 years here in Alsager, I feel that officially the pensioners should be informed publicly that the show will not be going on this year.
“Not only has it given the town’s seniors a great evening’s pleasure but Rotary, Round Table, Tangent and Ladies’ Circle members have had many years of enjoyment from it, having always put on entertaining acts.”
Mr Grint, (85), added: “The reason that it’s not going ahead this year is that two of the supporters have decided that they cannot continue to fund and help. I personally am very disappointed, as are my two brothers David and Lionel who have helped me organise it and helped with the transport. We brought in the seniors who couldn’t get to the venue under their own steam and returned them home after the show.”
Mr Grint said was still receiving “so many” telephone calls and visits from local seniors all wondering what was happening this year. He said: “They were so disappointed when I had to inform them that it’s not going on.
“Having lived here in Alsager all my 85 years, I have got a close relationship with so many residents. I know that Round Tablers are quite disappointed that it’s come to an end.”
Mr Grint said he had helped to deliver most of the 500 tickets sold each year personally.
“It was always well attended at the Civic and went down well when we moved to Alsager Social Club for the last two years. Twyford House care home sent two minibuses full of residents to the show and it was supported by the town’s other care homes as well.
“Last year’s 50th anniversary show was full. We couldn’t get anyone else in.” He said: “I’ve lived in Alsager all my life and it feels like I’ve let a lot of people down, especially those who are unable to get out of their homes.”
Alsager Round Table has previously said due to the town’s other events it organises, including the carnival, bonfire and fireworks display and Christmas lights switch-on celebrations, it was no longer “feasible” to run the variety show alone.
It thanked Mr Grint for his support along with the Rotary and Tangent Clubs, 41 Club and Alsager Lions.
Instead of this year’s show, the Round Table has organised a night of “live and local” music on Saturday at Alsager Social Club on Longview Road, featuring Tokyo Misfires playing 80s and 90s music, with doors opening at 7pm.
The fund-raiser will help Round Table continue to stage events in Alsager.
