General Meeting: November 2024

We finalised 2024 with our Christmas Social event on Thursday December 19th, it was a fun morning with a good attendance. Thanks must be extended to all those that played a part in making the event successful.

Deidre Williamson began by reading two short Christmas poems that beautifully set the scene for our celebrations. Following Deidre our brave committee men took to the stage entertaining us with a ballet interpretation to Cygnet from Swan Lake (a short drink break provided John White with the opportunity to tease our gents with a rendition of the Dying Swan from the same ballet).

After some fluid sustenance – lager – Paul, John, Eric and Mark performed the number again; I fear the alcohol did nothing to improve their group work! The crowd however, were thoroughly entertained by their strenuous efforts providing gold stars and cheers. 

Janet Whitchurch presented Jenny Josephs poem “When I am old I shall wear purple”, a funny and engaging reading and acting of the piece that offered the audience opportunity to consider their own sauciness that might be forgiven in later life.

During the break some lovely cakes and nibbles were available, with feedback thanking the bakers among us for all their effort. It appears the selection was well enjoyed as only small amounts were left at the end.

After the break our Ukulele band took to the stage to play and sing a number of classics for us; all the players, some with little experience performing, sounded great providing the audience chance to sing along or relax and listen. 

Several members made a great effort with their festive hats, sadly we only had three prizes to give away as all deserved acknowledgment, a huge well done to those that won. We had an extra-large raffle offering of some fabulous Christmas inspired prizes, members were extremely generous in buying raffle tickets, which really helps the function of our u3a, thank you.

The morning was completed with singing and dancing to a compilation by John White who provided all the music for the event. Thanks John, you really did put the icing on the cake with all your hard work. We are really grateful to everyone who could support the event and hope in 2025 we can maintain that feel-good emotion within our u3a.

Gayle Harris