Christmas Dinner

19 December 2019 Christmas Dinner

Mike Twells started the official proceedings with a “Christmas Grace”, using the first letters from Christmas to spell out aspects of Rotary, a thoughtful ‘starter for 10’….out of 10! We progressed through our excellent Dinner presented by Ashmores and their efficient ‘serving wenches’. Gordon then updated us on our Christmas Float performances with a total of £5291.30, £103 up on last year and with our Garden Centre returns of £2476.21(so far!, this week end to come!). Overall an exceptional year, to which our ‘new’ Rudolph float will, no doubt, have contributed to.  Gordon offered his thanks to Towers, Santas, Collectors and David V/Jon Sheppard for the ‘new float’, but without Gordon’s hard work, it would not be possible.

Denis also gave an update on our 10th year of the Vales Got Talent, again thanking all the Rotarians and their husbands/wives and partners for their continued support.

Then followed “Here come the Girls” surprise special entertainment singing 5 songs ranging from “With a little help from my friends”, “Hi Ho Silver Lining” and finishing with “Jingle Bells Rock” with excellent keyboard accompaniment from Margaret Fell.  The ‘Secret Choir’ was composed entirely of14 Rotarian’s partners, all excellently organised and rehearsed by Carmel and Derek, thanks folks!

The Bernie Ashman Trophy was then presented to a very worthy winner in the enthusiastic manner in which he engages all the Club, the effervescent Chris Henley (…or should it be “Dame Christine Henley??”

The Club also showed their appreciation to Jo, Mark and their Ashmore team for their service throughout the year.

The Annual Sergeant at Arms Special from Alan F and Rob, generally extracting the fun from various individual’s Float performances/experiences, all very entertaining.

Finally guitarist David V lead our Festive sing song, Dinging and Donging, followed by Silence and ending by “wishing you a Merry Christmas”                                                AR