On the first day of December members gathered in the village hall, now decked out in its Christmas colours and with tables laid in seasonal red and green, for our annual Christmas Lunch. This, along with our Summer Buffet Lunch is the time we deviate from our normal meeting format, gathering earlier in the day and enjoying a full meal.

Opening the meeting Chairman Sybil Saunders reminded us that Christmas was a time for caring and sharing and read a short passage entitled 'The Way To Share. President Peter White said Grace before committee members served delicious plates of a traditional turkey lunch. This was followed by a tempting variety of deserts including home made Christmas pudding, tea or coffee.

Once again our after lunch entertainment was provided by the Chase Singers, a group of 21 ladies led by conductor Robin Wells. Their programme included old standards such as 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes' and a variety of Carols with members joining in. Also included were two very amusing poems which certainly struck a cord with the audience – 'A Parents Night Before Christmas' remembering quietly assembling toys for the next day (but of course often forgetting the batteries!) and 'A Month After Christmas' when too much food means that nothing fits anymore.

This much appreciated performance was thanked by Sybil who also had some presentations to make. The Village Hall is always a welcome venue and this is very much due to the caretaker Becky and husband Jim, Becky came in to accept a gift of appreciation as did our auditor Desmond Thomas who along with our Treasurer Joan Sims keeps our finances ticking over.

Committee member Carol Hampshire is an absolute genius when it comes to flower arranging, she makes a raffle prize every month and had made all the table centres for this meal, she was warmly thanked by members, sadly quite a few were away due to ill health and the table decorations were being sent to them. Sheila and Phyllis received a plant in thanks for their hard work in preparing the meal but it is important to add that all committee members worked hard to ensure that the day ran smoothly. Lastly a mention for our driver Trevor Soar – the mini bus wouldn't start today (very frosty!) so Trevor used a lot of initiative in making sure all members could get to this special meeting.

A very Happy Christmas and Best Wishes for the New Year from all the Committee. Come back and see us on January 5th when our speaker Ann Chance will tell us about being 'Saddle Sore In Montana'