The Christmas luncheon at the Wishaw Sports and Country Club near the Belfry has become a bit of an institution at White Ensign being the 6th annual visit. The venue being first class and the food being excellent. The weekend of the luncheon saw gales battering the UK but it did not deter anyone from attending the lunch on Sunday 8th December. A table was well stocked for the raffle which was organised by Vikki and W.Bro Ian Hart and the Master of Ceremonies (MC) being W.Bro Ian Fothergill. The assembled throng sought out the required liquid refreshments before heading to the allocated tables, where pleasantries being exchanged amongst the inhabitants. Following on from the MC’s welcome, the diners were served with their starters, being swiftly consumed, they were subsequently ushered out in an orderly manner to get the main course. Deserts at the tables soon followed, while the diners were being captive to their food, the selling of raffle tickets commenced by Mel and Bro. Paul Tuckley, the total being collected was a more than creditable £670.00
Our new Worshipful Master W.Bro Les Leek spoke a few words and introduced Mike Colton the founder of the Allied Special Forces Memorial Grove at the National Memorial Arboretum who spoke about his latest project in the Grove. That being a memorial to 31 members of the SAS and over a 100 villagers from Moussey in NE France who were killed by the Nazis in 1940.
The customary Christmas Carol singing took place which was concluded by the rendition (with actions) of the ’12 days of Christmas’ each table having at least one day to perform, some having two days. The tables having two days each, their singing did not improve with the more practice. The festivities being concluded by the drawing of the raffle, some individuals and tables doing better than others. The Lodge Charity Steward, W.Bro Mike Wroe will be distributing the proceeds of the raffle to two charities in due course.
