Area 4 - Xmas Lunch 2021
Andrew Fawkes (Area 4 Rep) | Published on 12/18/2021
The weather was unseasonably mild, but traditionally dull and damp. The spirits inside the Kings Arms were warm as was the conversation and the welcome. Thus, despite the unwelcome news of yet another pandemic variant, the Area Christmas bash was a roaring success.
Twenty-eight people gathered around the festive table groaning with festive goodies. Sadly, a few people were unable to attend - some at short notice - and so our first toast was to 'absent friends'. All you stalwarts who would otherwise have been there know who you are... thank you!
The free prize draw raised £125 - donations kindly received, rather than entry fees - in support of Sparks children's medical research charity (part of Gt. Ormond St. Hospital). Prizes included items kindly donated in absentia by ex-Area 4 Rep, Garry Dickens and Mike & Beverley Jones.
Five Astons graced the car park and a further toast was to the intrepid souls who brought them - DBS (John & Liz Cheyne), Vanquish (Rick Stewart), V8 Vantages (Rick Cullen, Royston & Laura Piper and Paul Moon). The cars may have returned home a little dirty (dirtier?) but at least there was no salt on the roads.
The few photos below don't really do justice to the lively atmosphere, but if you've ever been to a jolly good festive lunch, you'll get the idea.
Thank you to all who supported the event, whether in attendance or not; to landlord Tony and his attentive hospitality team; and a personal thank you from me to Tony Ellerbeck for the kind sentiments in his short speech.
All the best to you, dear reader, for Christmas and a happy and healthy 2022!
PS - The total donated to Sparks was boosted to £174 thanks to some people who were unable to attend donating their refunded meal costs. Thank you!
