The Seniors Carol Service returned after a three years break due to restrictions during the Covid19 pandemic. Many residents of local care homes were bussed to the Clifton College Preparatory School Hall for a concert provided by many of the highly talented musicians and the school choir. Following a break when tea / coffee and mince-pies were served, the ever-popular community sing-song of carols was robustly performed by all our guests before returning to their homes.
On December 14th one of the social highlights of our year, the Club Christmas Party was enthusiastically attended by over 40 members and their partners at the home of Bruce and Kathy. Following a sumptuous dinner, copious glasses of wine and entertainment by Bruce and Neville, all returned home safely and declared the event to have been a great success.
Our weekly lunch meeting this week (15th Dec) was devoted to a Christmas Quiz. The questions all ran along a Christmas theme; Christmas songs and carols, Christmas films and Christmas stories, many of which predated most of the audience. The quiz was won by a country mile by our secretary, Tony, who correctly answered Bing Crosby to many of the questions.
Bucket Collections were held at the Tesco supermarket, Golden Hill, and in the streets of Clifton Village on Sat.17th Dec in aid of the Lord Mayor of Bristol’s Children Appeal. Over £1,000 was collected in aid of this appeal started in the 1920’s to raise money to give the poor children a Christmas dinner and a pair of boots. Today the appeal raises £66,000 each year to give 1,650 children and young people a better Christmas. Each child receives a £20 voucher for gifts or clothing and a £20 voucher for food. These children are from among the city’s most disadvantaged and the vouchers make a real difference to their Christmas.
Christmas Lunch (Dec 21st) this years was held at the South Bristol Bowling Centre. A full traditional dinner was served followed by a raffle, the proceeds of which will be donated to St Mungos Homeless Youth Charity.
This year’s Christmas Ramble (Dec 27th) is based around the delightful suburb of Frenchay. A pleasant unchallenging walk will finish at Bruce and Kathy’s where we are promised hot mulled wine, mince pies and sausage rolls.
So, there we have it, something to please everyone.
We wish all our families and friends where-ever they may be a very pleasant Christmas and a wonderful 2023.