DANCE fans are in for a treat at the Theatre Royal on Sundays, July 1 and 8.

For the Eccleston School of Dance are staging their annual show at the Corporation Street venue on those dates with curtain up at 2pm and all proceeds going to the local branch of ChildLine.

Fiona Hinde, Principal of the school, says: "This year's show entitled, 'Showtime', promises to be a lively performance featuring dances to music from famous shows such as 'Cats' and 'Oliver'".

THERE will be a marvellous combination of 'Music and Melody 2001' at the theatre on Saturday, July 7 from 7pm. This is a band and choral concert with all proceeds going to Willowbrook Hospice. The show features Sutton Manor Primary School Choir; Knowsley Junior Choir; Merseyside singer, Paris Graham-Jones; The Showstoppers; Silouette Dance Club; and young comedian Anton. Tickets, priced £4.50, are available from the Campaign Office, 56 Claughton Street or ring 01744 453798.

MEANWHILE, on the evening of Sunday, July 8 the theatre plays hosts to Bee Gees tribute show, 'Stayin' Alive'.

ST HELENS Sinfonietta are staging a Summer Pops Concert on Saturday, July 14 at St Helens Parish Church starting at 7.30pm. Tickets available from 01744 616403/22632.

THE Interplay Theatre will transform The Citadel into a series of inflatable chambers to take the audience on a journey through music, song, movement and dance with their presentation 'Song from the Sea'. This runs until Saturday, June 30.

ON Wednesday, July 4 the Waterloo Street venue will be hosting Originality, new poems and new writing, from 8pm onwards.

AND on Friday, July 6 one of the best British blues bands, The Producers, will be on stage there from 8pm onwards.

THEN on Saturday, July 7 Johnny Vegas is back on home ground again following his national tour. Curtain up is at at 8pm.

THE World of Glass is presenting a Needlecraft Exhibition in the Reflections Gallery until Wednesday, July 11 from 10am to 5pm (hours subject to change, please telephone to confirm).

LOCAL R & B favourites, The Swampstompers will be holding court again at the Bell and Barrel, North John Street, St Helens on Friday, June 29 from 8.30pm. Admission is free.

PUPILS from the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy are now putting the finishing touches to their forthcoming shows at Ditton Community Centre, Dundalk Road,Widnes. These will feature pupils from the Rainhill and Newton-le-Willows classes on Friday, July 6 at 7.30pm and the Rainford and St Helens classes on Sunday, July 8 at 7.30pm. The programme includes 'Paradesia'; 'The Snake Charmer'; 'The Bold Buccaneers'; 'The Cleanest Town in Texas'; and 'Soap Suds'.

BROAD Oak Community Primary School will be holding a fund-raising car boot sale on Saturday, June 30 from 10am. Price of a pitch is £6 pre-paid and £7 on the day and they can be booked by ringing 01744 631064 or 07951 399647.

THE Poet and the Painter, yours truly and Carol Anne Eaves, are currently staging their latest exhibition, 'Reflections' at the Silhouette Dance Club, Boundary Road. Further details from 01744 20136/01744 26338.

A JAZZ Rendezvous takes place at the Star Inn, Rainford every Sunday from 8.30pm, admission is free.

HELEN Marie Friends are holding a rummage sale at the United Reform Church Hall, King Street on Saturday, June 30 from 2pm. Admission is 10p and all proceeds will go to local sick children.

SURE Start Plus Drop In is taking place every Thursday between 1 and 3pm at Newton Community Centre, Park Road South, Newton-le-Willows. This group aims to work with teenagers who are parents or parents-to-be who want support or simply a chat. Further information from Mikaela on 01744 456897 or 01925 224731. This will be every Tuesday from noon to 2pm and if you wish to attend please book by ringing Margaret Dutton on 01925 225548.

SOCIETY NEWS

ST HELENS Hard of Hearing Club will hold a Strawberry and Cream Tea on Monday, July 2 at the Deaf Centre, Dentons Green Lane from 1.30 to 3.30pm.

THE St Helens Flower Club meet on Tuesday, July 3 in the Deaf Centre, Dentons Green Lane at 7.30pm when demonstrator will be Joan Johnson whose subject is 'Summertime'. Visitors welcome, cost, including refreshments, is £2.50.

ST HELENS Writers Club will hold an Open Meeting from 7 to 9pm on Wednesday, July 4 when members will read and discuss their work at the Central Library, Victoria Square.

MEMBERS of the St Helens and District Retired Teachers Association are visiting Llangollen on Wednesday, July 4. Coach leaves Birchley Street at 9.30am.