President Richard recounted some early events in Malachy's life as examples of the sort of man who from humble beginnings built, with his four brothers, a multi million pound business. He then presented Malachy and Mary with a framed copy of their scroll.
It is a measure of Malachy's character, that, a few days earlier having had a bad fall and spending the night in A&E, here he was accepting the accolades of those present along with the enthusiastic applause in his usual courteous and "what's all the fuss about" way. His few words of thanks were delivered with that Irish twinkle in his eye.
Numbers were a little down on previous years probably due to events elsewhere, not least a little matter of a General Election
However 63 sat down to a wonderful 3 course, non conventional, Christmas celebratory meal of a starter of prawns & smoked salmon, for mains the famous New Drop Duckling with all associated trimmings followed by Christmas Pudding in Brandy Sauce or the equally famous New Drop Crumble with Custard.
The entertainment that followed was beyond expectations. Gil and Lisa Hughes (our most recent members) volunteered their three children to accompany the singing.
That's Peter (11years) on the piano, Olivia (13years) on the basson and Samuel (9years) on the cello. All three are through to the final audition for entry to Chethams School of Music in Manchester and their playing explained why!
The programme started with a lively rendering of Jingle Bells and we then listened to a rendition of Little Drummer Boy. A rousing rendition of Adeste Fideles followed with the children's version of When a Child is Born causing a few present to pretend they'd something in their eye.
The trio of cello, bassoon and French Horn for the "12 days"
Among many highlights was a playing out of the 12 Days of Christmas with each table trying to outdo the others with their enthusiastic miming of the various gifts. The evening came to a close with a joyous singing together of We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
Circle's grateful thanks to Samuel, Peter, Olivia, Gil and Lisa.
President Richard & Helen and all at Longridge 286 wish all in Province 10 and beyond a wonderful happy and holy Christmas and wish them all happiness in 2020.
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