The Baron's Official Birthday Message

My friends, as one gets older, birthdays seem to come around quicker; they are therefore less obviously excuses for wider celebration than personal moments to count one's blessings. As Groucho Marx once said, "Anyone can get old - all you have to do is live long enough".

And there are in my view, many other anniversaries this year that are much more noteworthy and deserving of celebration. In particular, I hope you will bare with me as I single out one particular organisation that is very close to my heart. The 60th anniversary season of the Stockton Civic Theatre.

This year, the SCT has seen some particularly exceptional shows, and has had an exceptional collection of casts performing this year, especially, if I do say so myself, the production of the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic "Oklahoma". The actors, the scenery builders, the technical and stage crew, and of course our director should all be praised for contributing to a production that honored a landmark season, and I am very happy to draw attention to not just their achievement, but to everyone involved with every show for the 2010-2011 season, and to thank them for letting me in my own way to share in that joy.

As I count my blessings on my birthday, I am well aware of the value of the love and advice, strength and encouragement from my friends, my family of choice, from all of you.

Thank you all very much.

His Serene & Sovereign Lordship,

Wesley,

Baron of Nonsuch