A Halloween treat

PLAYWRIGHT Lee Flewitt's fright night provided a Halloween treat for theatre fans.Is There Anybody There? - which was first performed 13 years ago - scared the audience out of their skin.

More than 180 people saw the performances - which starred Andree Gaydon-Smith, Alex Flewitt, Tim Butler, Barbara Featherstone, Phil Hatcher, Robin Whicker, Tess Woodnutt, Bonnie Flewitt and myself - on Friday and Saturday.

The edge-of-the-seat plot, cracking acting and brilliant make-up by Sue Gaydon wowed theatre-goers.

The special effects, specifically when the word 'Ivy' appeared in a mirror at the back of the stage, particularly impressed the audience.

Lee, who is now busy working on February's pantomime, Pirates of the Coronation, said everyone had been complimentary about the shows.

'I've had some brilliant reports - everybody seems to have really enjoyed the performances,' he said.

Anyone who wants to see pictures from the show can do so by logging on to www. alderneytheatregroup.com.

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Freshwater fishing has arrived in Alderney. Half a ton of carp was shipped to the island this week and deposited in Corblets Quarry.

Islander Jon Gates has bought both common and mirror carp, weighing up to 16 pounds each, from Shillingford in Devon.

Mr Gates, who recently obtained a fishing licence from the States, is hoping the carp will offer locals an extra pastime while also encouraging tourists to the island.

He said: 'The response has been fantastic so far and everybody seems very, very impressed with the fish. The quality is superb and some of them are really big. They're a good catch.'

Phil and Geraldine Newton of South West Carp Sales transported the fish to Alderney. Mr Newton said: 'It wasn't easy on the boat, but the crew was superb in helping us.

'I think this is a nice spot where the fish will thrive. Hopefully freshwater fishing will catch on here. Once people in the UK hear about the size of the fish, they will definitely come over.'

Local anglers will be allowed to fish in the quarry from Sunday and will be asked to adhere to a strict catch and release policy.

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One of the island's top hotels has bagged a corking prize.

For the second year running, the Braye Beach Hotel has received a special commendation from the Conde Naste Johansens/Champagne Taittinger Wine List of the Year Awards.

The Braye Street establishment has been nominated in the 'most interesting range of wine' category and is one of only three finalists in the small hotels, inns and restaurants section.

Head chef and general manager Scott Chance said they tried to combine an eclectic mix of wines to suit a variety of tastes and complement the hotel's food. 'I am looking forward to the awards ceremony and will certainly enjoy the magnum of Champagne that comes with the commendation,' he added.

The ceremony takes place in London tomorrow.