VILLAGERS facing a “use it or lose it” call are being urged to support a family show at Wincham Community Centre in November.

The appeal came from Wincham Parish Council chairman Annie Makepeace during an impassioned plea for local residents to support arts events in the village.

Annie has been organising Cheshire Rural Touring Arts shows in Wincham on behalf of the village since 2012.

During that time only 12 local families have been to any of the performances.

Just eight local people came to an award-winning show last year, and a soul and Motown group did not ask for payment for a show this year because of the small number who came along.

Survey forms were sent out to every household in the parish asking people what kind of entertainment they wanted, and people asked for comedy, theatre and musicals.

Annie told residents at the parish council meeting at Witton Albion that she had put on an example of every kind of show that people had asked for, and warned that the forthcoming show in November could be the last unless there was more local support.

“I had to fight tooth and nail to get this production, and am happy to carry on if people want these shows – it is either use it or lose it,” she said.

“When we had Soulvation this year they did not get paid. Twelve people came along, and we just paid for the use of the room.

“Soulvation very graciously said ‘buy us a pint, we don’t want paying’.”

Annie is asking people to support What The Dickens? by Gonzo Moose Theatre Company at Wincham Community Centre on Saturday, November 1.

Young Charles Dickens is a rookie reporter on the Morning Chronicle, and while investigating the foggy slums of Ye Olde London Towne he accidentally stumbles on a story which could make his fortune.

The show is billed as “brimming with unfeasibly quick costume changes, stupidly surreal characters and wonderfully daft jokes,” and offering something to entertain the whole family.

The show starts at 7.30pm, and for tickets please ring 01565 734226.