Christmas Dinner

22nd December 2022 Christmas Dinner

The evening began with President elect David E asking Steve C to recount our Christmas collections results and very pleasing they were: EBGC £2197 and our Santa Float collections at £6406 giving a total around £8600. Steve proceeded to thank the public, Rotarians, our two Santas Chris N & President Rob, the Towers of Barry, Keith, Dermot and Stan, the leaders of Gordon, Alan W, Denis and Doug.  Finally, he mentioned all the necessary back up work provided by Gordon, having pulled back from his 30 years of running the operation.

Before the meal Twelly made his Christmassy and thought-provoking grace (which was applauded by one and all!) we were delivered the usual excellent Christmas 3 course meal by Jo and her ‘little helpers’ .  President Elect David E the presented a box of our tips for all their team, some flowers for Jo and a big thank you to them all, not forgetting Chef Mark.

Alan F and Rob proceeded in their usual ‘Tales of Christmas activities’ ably assisted by Flight Sergeant Adrian (super sub just in case Rob didn’t get back from Wales in time).  Barry got nominated as “The fastest tower in Town”, Keith was spotted doling Baileys to the girls on duty.  Comment was made about Doug’s beautiful dog being used as a “Bird magnet” in the pub, talking of which something was said about Gordon and the landlady of the Rose and Crown at Cotgrave.  Adrian referred to our Charity canal walk, when Clive proceeded at about 0.25 of a mile per hour to collect some people at the Grantham end of the walk.

Apparently Denis, having managed to get the owner to the door with his dog responding that he had no cash, so Denis, ever sharp, quipped that he was happy to take the dog instead, which immediately produced a £5 note !. Chris Beale, true to his former profession, summarised his judgement on one child with the comment “sentence – one sweet!”  In St. James Place, Alan W was accused of bribery with mulled wine’ in a bid for DG possibilities. Gerry Short was alone for the evening as his partner had gone ‘line dancing’, from which he had previously been banned  New member Chris S having arrived early at Daleside apparently wandered to the far end to seek Santa’s float, then walked all the way back to be accused of being late

The Granby Calendar was circulated with neither Mike W or Stan being featured; it was said the Stan “came up short!!”.  When Alan F gave Adrian a lift he asked if Adrian wanted the seat heater on to ‘warm his bum’, Ade responded that he was in the RAF, not the Navy! Santa Robs quote to Maggie at Saxondale is unmentionable

All very entertaining and followed by Group Karaoke on digital enhanced Christmas songs and carols, Though enjoyable, this raised a comment or two about how it felt a little like a Care Home event!?

A good evening of fun and fellowship     AR