The recent successful run of this year's Saundersfoot Footlights show Oklahoma! was attended one evening by Mr. Brian Slate, NODA representative for District Six, Wales and Ireland Area.

Mr. Slate's attendance at Footlights shows is always welcomed and the company appreciates his support and the reviews that he undertakes for NODA. However, on this occasion, he also had another trick up his sleeve!

Lillian Harris, of Brynmawr, had recently donated an award to the Wales and Ireland Area (The Lillian Harris Award) and each of the six districts in the area were asked to nominate a recipient for the award.

This could be a society, production, back stage, group or individual of any kind connected with the society and production.

Mr. Slate commented that 'he had seen so many good productions and also some very good principles in 2008!'

However, one person stood out amongst all the others. The 2008 production of Calamity Jane was nearly a disaster when the band was unable to play. However, Eileen Thomas, rehearsal pianist and a member of the band, bravely stepped into the breach.

As Mr. Slate said: "Where would a musical have been without any musical accompaniment?"

Eileen played all the way through six shows and was very much appreciated by cast and crew alike - not to mention a very thankful Calamity Jane!

Mr. Slate presented the award on the Thursday, which came as a complete surprise to Eileen.

He told the audience: "This is the first recipient of the award in my district and this award will now be awarded on an annual basis."