Christmas Lunch 2010 - Ken Batstone  updated 1Jan11

At the end of Lunch we enjoyed two short speeches.  Firstly, Ambrose Barber welcomed Sir Colin back to Kingston and amused us with the Tribulations of his short-term memory. 4  minute audios

Sir Colin then entertained us with early memories of his time at Kingston and kindly complimented the H.A. Committee on their good work.

At the end of the meal, a Vote of Thanks was given to the YMCA Staff and Michelle Edwards for organising and serving such an excellent meal and enjoyable afternoon. In addition, these Thanks were accompanied by a Gratuity from the Committee.

Finally, before anyone could dash off home "before it got dark", the Christmas Raffle was held. The prizes ranged from a Bottle of Gin, through an LED Inspection Lamp to a model kit of a Messerschmitt 109. A truly festive selection! Thankfully, the "randomly-selected" winners were all pleased with their prizes.

On leaving, many people expressed their enjoyment of the afternoon and it was generally agreed that the YMCA had matched the high standard set by the 2009 Xmas Lunch.

And so another year approaches its end and we can then look forward to warmer days and the Annual Summer Barbeque in June 2011!

On Wednesday, 8th December 2010, the 8th Annual Hawker Association Christmas Lunch was held in the lounge of the Hawker YMCA Centre in Richmond Road, Kingston (the usual venue; previously the old Hawker Sports Club). The Members and Guests started arriving at 12.30pm for a glass of wine and social conversation before the meal, which was due to commence about 1pm.

The YMCA Staff had decorated the lounge and the tables in a most attractive fashion with a red theme.  The tables were arranged in a horseshoe style (Top Table with two Legs), but with 49 diners in attendance instead of the initially expected 45, a small table for four was arranged between the legs. This ensured plenty of elbow room for dining and pulling crackers!

At the Top Table, we were pleased to see our Chairman, Ambrose Barber, along with our Past President, John Glasscock and our new President, Sir Colin Chandler.

After Grace was said by John Glasscock, the 4-course Lunch was served by the YMCA Staff and most enjoyable it proved to be. During the Main Course, it was pointed out by our Chairman, that everyone was expected to wear their Christmas cracker Party Hat, even the Top Table! This caused much amusement among the diners.

Photo by Frank Rainsborough - More photos