Members first checked seating arrangements and then enjoyed a drink and chat together at the reception bar before moving into the dining room for lunch and entertainment.
Lunch was served in the main dining room. On the menu this year was smoked turkey and ham accompanied by roast vegetables and garden salad followed by the traditional Chrismas pudding, coffee, tea and chocolates. Our President, Margaret Boyd, welcomed everybody to the celebration, dispensed monthly meeting formalities and then said grace. Lunch was then served to the tables by the catering staff and enjoyed by everyone.
During lunch, entertainment was provided by funny man and conjuror, Chuck Fayne. Chuck's interactive style and droll sense of humour had Charles Gorman worried that his $50 note would not be seen again, and that he'd have to settle for a somewhat devalued $5 note. But through the magic of Chuck's false thumb, the $50 note turned up inside an orange, much to Charles' relief! Ron Mottershead then tried to send thought waves to the audience using an egg beater with marginal success.
Trish Russell was challenged by Chuck to put her hand in with Pepe the snake to retrieve her marked card. Fortunately Pepe turned out to be quite a friendly and tame critter and with Tricia's marked card firmly attached to his fangs!
Lorna and Trish did a fantastic job making up the gift hampers for the lucky door prize draws. Baskets and much of the hamper contents were provided by members. About two dozen hampers were awarded to lucky ticket holders. Our annual Christmas celebrations were once again an outstanding success. The success is righly attributed to both Lorna Bridgland and Tricia Russell who time and again do a fantastic job for the Club in organising these events. Thank you both for a great celebration of the festive season. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our members