Christmas
At the end of November Woolavington WI and friends went Christmas shopping to Cheltenham, on a gloriously bright and fortunately dry day. It was bitterly cold, but that only made the steaming cups of glϋhwein more of a necessity!
Cheltenham is a relatively short distance away so it wasn’t long before everyone had left the coach and dispersed in search of refreshment. Some members were on a serious quest for Christmas presents, some were more opportunistic bargain-hunters –it was the first day of a sale in the department store! - while others simply enjoyed the wonderfully varied styles of architecture for which Cheltenham is renowned.
With a good variety of big-name stores and of smaller independents as well as the German-style Christmas market, there was no shortage of buying opportunities nor of eating places thankfully – something to suit every taste.
As the sun went down and the temperatures started to fall everyone was very glad to board the warm coach for the return journey after amost successful day.
The December WI meeting was the Christmas party, which once again members had opted to hold in the Village Hall with the Christmas meal again expertly catered by Debs Delights.
The Committee and several willing helpers had brightened the hall with Christmas decorations, an enticing raffle table, festive table settings and a special quiz, and as ever the meal was excellent. The one difference this year was the entertainment – provided by Richard Ballinger the magician.
After a minimum of business and once the main course was cleared away, Richard visited each table in turn and the room soon rang to the sound of laughter as he surprised and confused us by turns. Later he performed a cabaret and managed to get practically everyone up and participating, and contributed to a very happy atmosphere.
Shirley was declared overall winner of the monthly competitions and presented with a gift voucher; the December competition (first of the New Year) for a Christmas serviette was won by Carolyn, with Debra and Shirley coming second and third respectively. As the tables were cleared at the end of the evening one lucky member at each found themselves winner of the centrepiece, a little fabric tree courtesy of the ‘Stitch’n’Bitch’ group.
Thanks to everyone who helped at the party and throughout the year, and we look forward to a varied and interesting New Year!
Cheltenham is a relatively short distance away so it wasn’t long before everyone had left the coach and dispersed in search of refreshment. Some members were on a serious quest for Christmas presents, some were more opportunistic bargain-hunters –it was the first day of a sale in the department store! - while others simply enjoyed the wonderfully varied styles of architecture for which Cheltenham is renowned.
With a good variety of big-name stores and of smaller independents as well as the German-style Christmas market, there was no shortage of buying opportunities nor of eating places thankfully – something to suit every taste.
As the sun went down and the temperatures started to fall everyone was very glad to board the warm coach for the return journey after amost successful day.
The December WI meeting was the Christmas party, which once again members had opted to hold in the Village Hall with the Christmas meal again expertly catered by Debs Delights.
The Committee and several willing helpers had brightened the hall with Christmas decorations, an enticing raffle table, festive table settings and a special quiz, and as ever the meal was excellent. The one difference this year was the entertainment – provided by Richard Ballinger the magician.
After a minimum of business and once the main course was cleared away, Richard visited each table in turn and the room soon rang to the sound of laughter as he surprised and confused us by turns. Later he performed a cabaret and managed to get practically everyone up and participating, and contributed to a very happy atmosphere.
Shirley was declared overall winner of the monthly competitions and presented with a gift voucher; the December competition (first of the New Year) for a Christmas serviette was won by Carolyn, with Debra and Shirley coming second and third respectively. As the tables were cleared at the end of the evening one lucky member at each found themselves winner of the centrepiece, a little fabric tree courtesy of the ‘Stitch’n’Bitch’ group.
Thanks to everyone who helped at the party and throughout the year, and we look forward to a varied and interesting New Year!