QUARRY Bank Operatic Society is inviting past and present members to join in its 50th birthday celebrations.

The society is holding an anniversary party at Quarry Bank Community Centre, Sheffield Street, on Saturday June 26 from 12pm until 5pm.

There will be music, dancing, quizzes, memorabilia from previous shows and refreshments - as well as a grand summer raffle.

Society spokesman Julia Siviter said: “It will be a chance to meet with old friends to reminisce about fond memories and to meet new friends with a love of the theatre.”

The society was founded in 1960 by Edgar Cartwright, Bessie Cartwright, Tom Genner, Sybil Genner, Vera Dunn, Joyce Capewell, Doreen Nicklin and Brian Clark.

Its first production of Midsummer Madness was performed at Quarry Bank Community Centre followed by A Grand Night for Singing.

Initial reviews proved a huge success and the then chairman Brian Genner realised the society was going places.

Under his guidance the group switched to the Netherton Arts Centre and it has staged many, many much-loved musicals there ever since - from Oklahoma in 1963 to The Scarlet Pimpernel in 2009.

And to ensure it continues to make waves on the Black Country operatic circuit, the group is staging new musical Titanic at the NAC in Northfield Road this September (Tuesday 21 to Saturday 25) to mark its 50th anniversary.

The smash-hit show, which set sail on Broadway in 1997, tells the true story of the hopes, loves and dreams of the real passengers and crew from the ill-fated RMS Titanic as they set left Southampton in April 1912 bound for America - little knowing the tragedy that lay ahead.

To book tickets for Titanic call Linda Raybould on 01384 820902.

For further enquiries about the reunion call Steve Howard on 07511 065886.