Fun was clearly the theme for December: in addition to two very enjoyable evenings ably hosted by Adrian and team at the Crown we also staged the Santa Fun Run early in the month, despite all the challenges thrown our way by storm Darragh.

Santa Fun Run

Stahed on Sunday the 8^th to a much-revised plan following the warnings issued by the Met Office for strong winds that morning, following the fierce overnight winds and floodings on the previous Friday, all associated with storm Darragh. The run was re-routed at the last minute across open fields away from any risk of falling branches or even trees and, instead of having gazebos and stalls in the market square, we moved under the cover of the arches of the town hall with a much-reduced range of offerings. Unfortunately, the arrangement to move into the town hall came unstuck as we weren’t able to gain access until the race had finished. Santa Claus (alias John Cricket) nevertheless set up shop in the Crown as planned and had a brisk trade all morning ably assisted by his team of Elflets. The run itself saw a surprisingly good turnout given the conditions, with over 140 runners braving the elements.

All in all, including a donation from club reserves, £1,000 was raised for Winston’s Wish. A big, big 'well done' to Angela and team.

This was staged on Sunday the 8^th to a much-revised plan following the warnings issued by the Met Office for strong winds that morning, following the fierce overnight winds and floodings on the previous Friday, all

and back at The Crown .........

The first meeting of the month saw us back at the Crown for a fun winetasting evening followed by supper. Andy and Adrian did us proud: undoubtedly an evening to repeat in the not-too-distant future.

On the 16^th we held our annual Christmas meal, also at the Crown. Having first lingered over the canapes and Presidents’ drinks receptions, much good fellowship and humour was enjoyed over the meal, with Beth Webb (no relation to Alan so far as anyone knows) regaling us with some lovely Christmas-themed stories from Somerset and Norway. The grand finale of Away in a Manager revealed what hidden talents we have in the Club, with Jill leading the chorales.

Council Matters

The main theme of the Club Council meeting this month was reviewing plans for two upcoming projects – the Christmas Tree collection planned for January in support of St Margaret’s Hospice and the Post Card Art exhibition and auction in support of Wells Museum planned for end February.

Discussion also took place around two draft proposals for two future long-term projects: one being to engage with the Wells Harriers in helping to organise and stage the Wells Festival of Running and second to progress discussions with the Dairy House over helping construct an activity work shop at their site on the Mendips. There will be brief presentations on these at the first business meeting in January.