Ken Batstone who so ably organised the event reports…
On Wednesday, 12th December, the 16th annual
Association Christmas
Lunch was held in the YMCA Hawker Centre, Richmond Road, Kingston (the
usual venue).
The weather was dry, mild and partly sunny. This was the
fourth year running that the weather had been kind to us.
Members and
guests started arriving from midday for wine and socialising before the
meal, which was served just after 1pm, following grace and a prayer,
given by the Reverend Vernon Lidstone.
Forty eight people attended the lunch, which was
three more than
last year, indicating the continuing enjoyment of this event.
The menu
was the same as last year, namely prawn cocktail followed by
traditional roast turkey with trimmings, and gateaux or panacotta. Each
course did have an alternative choice, but there was little demand for
these.
After the meal, Chris Roberts, our Chairman,
delivered a short speech, which contained some very amusing, original
and apt jokes (don't mention Brexit!). He also talked about the late
and much lamented John Farley and his Commemoration held at Brooklands.
Chris Roberts was followed by our new President who
talked about his times spent at Kingston, Dunsfold, St Louis and Japan.
He had a wealth of stories and anecdotes from these periods.
At the end of the afternoon, many members remarked
on the high quality of the meal and the size of the portions! Once
again the staff of the YMCA Hawker Centre had provided us with an
excellent meal and a most enjoyable afternoon.
The Committee has written to the YMCA Catering Manager to express
its thanks and appreciation of the efforts of the catering staff in
providing such an enjoyable event, and has given a suitable gratuity.