April 30th 2011 is the date of the next William Day and this year we are offering something a little different.

For a start, as an extra bonus, everyone coming to the meeting will be invited to see Alison Neil perform her Richmal Crompton play The Just William Lady free of charge that evening.

Our Society is teaming up with The Friends of Usk Castle, who have received sponsorship for Alison's other one-lady shows from the Arts Council of Wales and are applying again for this one. The Usk Memorial Hall is booked, so it is all systems go.

Alison is a professional actress whose one-woman plays bring characters from the past brilliantly to life. It was Ray Heard who recommended her affectionate portrayal of Richmal Crompton when he saw it earlier this year. As Ray reminded us at the meeting, Robert Wheeler wrote a letter in our Magazine in January 2000 (No.9) urging all members to try to catch it: "Alison was a totally believable Richmal. The evening is enacted under the approving eye of William who watches proceedings from a portrait on the study wall. "

The Hotel

Usk is a lovely little town in a very beautiful part of Wales, not that far from the border and just ten miles north of Newport. It is also within reach of Hay-on-Wye where we held a very successful meeting some years ago

Ray has arranged for the meeting to take place in the Three Salmons Hotel which is in the centre of the town. It is a traditional, very high quality hotel which is being totally refurbished and includes an award winning restaurant. The hotel rooms cost £85 per night for a double room (i.e. £42.50 each) for bed and breakfast. A family room for three is £120. Single price is £65. Dogs can be accommodated for £5 per night. To get what are well discounted prices we have had to reserve all the rooms but since there are only twenty available we would ask you to book as soon as possible. Please do this direct with the hotel (01291 672133), mentioning the Just William meeting. (Of course, being a holiday area there are numerous B&Bs in Usk and the immediate vicinity. Margaret Sherriff can supply a list.)

You can book Friday night's dinner from the menu when you arrive, or indeed we can choose to go to one of the numerous local restaurants. However, on the Saturday the hotel will be providing a dinner with a set menu at £27.50, served early enough for us to be able to walk down to Alison's show.

The meeting

The cost of the meeting will be £26 including coffee tea and buffet lunch. You should send your cheques to Margaret and Ben Sherriff. Ben and Margaret have also confirmed that they will once again organise the day's programme and look forward to hearing from all contributors. Their details are: Address: 86 Wintersdale Road, Leicester, LE5 2GL. Tel/fax: 0116 2417016. E-mail: costaben@.iullcosta.wanadoo.co.uk