Although it was raining, plenty of members turned up - in fact so many we were hard pressed to find enough chairs! The Vall del Pop singers entertained us with carols to start the proceedings and the capacity crowd were mercifully spared a long 'admin' session and got down to the fun, mince pies and cava straight away.
Six side tables were set up as Ports of Call for a mini- cruise. Pictures and information were placed on each table, and members had to guess the port, the drink, the food and the country. There were three winners - who had only got one question wrong, and they happily received a gift each. Margaret and Eric Price and Barbara Watmuff, our Caring and Sharing Team leader.
Bob and Sandra Welham read out some festive poems by Pam Ayres, and then our Keep Fit instructor Jacintha got everyone on their feet to warm up with some easy exercises. Working off the mince pies...
The Caritas Wheelbarrow was full of donations, which were gratefully received by the representatives, before we got going with the annual Christmas Hat competition. Fewer entries this year, definitely quality over quantity! Prizes going to Sonia Higginson and Steve Bingham.
Raffle prize winners did very well, with huge baskets of fruit, boxes of biscuits and sweets, as well as a very nice plant collection in a bowl. This year Santa didn't have his Elf'er...so instead of coming up for a nice photo opportunity, they remained seated to get their goodies. Shame! Where was our Elf??? The proceeds from the raffle - more than 200€ went to a charity 'pulled out of the hat' - Jalon Valley Help.
The auction of Paddington bear was won by Margaret Kendrick, who offered a most generous 50€. He looked very happy to be going to a new home.
Our Popsters group rounded up the proceedings with some excellent and popular songs, and then everyone joined in with the U3A Anthem.
Lorraine Bellami
