A Report from Christmas alone 2007
Because
of the redevelopment of the church it would have been impossible to hold
this at EMC. The committee visited other churches and contacted another
alternative venue, but, unfortunately their facilities were not
suitable. It appeared that this event would have to be cancelled for
this year. We owe the management of Swail House a huge debt of gratitude
that, when approached by Pam Ellison and Audrey Broderick they agreed
that we could have the use of their premises so then it was 'all systems
go'.
Considering
that it was a completely new venue everything went well and on Christmas
day about 74 people sat down to lunch, which included a great team of
helpers, both from EMC and the community. Many of you will have seen the
Mayor's appeal for help in the local press and this brought forth new
faces, including young people who joined in with great gusto, blowing up
balloons, taking charge of the music and helping with serving and
hosting our guests. They also proved to be excellent washer uppers!
After
lunch we had entertainment including one of the youngsters singing
Silent Night, a topical comedy sketch, a comic recitation and a music
quiz, all ably compeered by Fred Imms. Trevor Bellinger had videoed the
Queens's speech and we all watched this. Whilst the entertainment was
taking place tea and mince pies were being prepared and then after this
it was time for the drivers to return to take our guests home, each with
a present and a piece of Christmas cake.
All this
did not take place without many people working hard to ensure it was a
great success.
Trevor
and Elaine Bellinger did a great job organising the drivers to bring
guests to and from the lunch. When they arrived their coats were taken
and hung up, they were greeted by hosts and hostesses and shown to their
seats where they were served with a glass of Beryl Furness' famous
non-alcoholic fruit punch and then non-alcoholic wine with the meal.
While all this was happening Pam Ellison and Cathy Mackie were busy
preparing an excellent Christmas lunch, which was served right on time,
after David Winwood had said grace. The Mayor and her consort (her son)
were there to speak to everyone before the meal began and this was much
appreciated.
There are
too many people to thank individually but we do thank the following who
donated items; Longhursts (undertakers) for the Christmas puddings, Joan
Thomas for the beautiful Christmas cake, Margaret Luxmore and Val Imms
for delicious trifles and everyone who donated mince pies.
Before
the event we thank all who came on Christmas Eve to prepare the
vegetables, Jen and David Barry who helped us set up the tables and
decorate them so beautifully. Gwenda Froud who bought all the presents
and she and her friends who wrapped them all.
Finally,
thanks to all who gave donations on the day, before and after, which
will enable us to start next years planning with confidence. We
personally thank all who helped to make our first Christmas Alone such a
success
Chris and Beryl Dempsey.
This
lunch was a great occasion, when just over seventy folk sat down to
a splendid meal followed by entertainment enjoyed by all.
Chris
and Beryl Dempsey (left) but well supported by a team of
volunteers from a wide range of Epsom and Ashtead Churches, without
such support these functions cannot take place. 
