A whopping 65 members of the Fellowship were regally wined and dined at their annual Christmas Party at Barrow’s Fairfield Masonic Hall. The day commenced at approximately 9am with the caterers, Christine and Terry Carlos, firing up the ovens, preparing the turkey and the accompanying produce for the festive feast.
Stewards and members of the Fellowship Committee arrived at 11am to prepare the room and tables, and at 12.30pm other assistance and the Fellowship members arrived for the 1pm table service. The volunteer stewards served up soup or prawn cocktail followed by turkey and the trimmings, followed by Christmas pud with brandy sauce, The atmosphere during the meal was convivial and merry, with all being suitably fed and watered.
Whilst the tables were being cleared, coffee and tea was served, Christmas hats and the seasonal jokes from the Christmas crackers being shared about each table. Carols were then sung by all followed by entertainment from the Christmas jester Terry Ridal and music by Geoff Waters. Father Christmas made a surprise appearance with his sack of presents, there were strong suspicions as to his identity, not least a refined Yorkshire accent to the fore.
David Smith, the Chairman of the Fellowship, proposed the vote of thanks, singling out Terry and Christine Carlos and the stewards; Tony Nevinson, Barry Bray, Chris Angell, Gary Mansfield, Tony Jackson and Richard Wilcock, for their hard work in preparing and serving the food. Furness and South Lakeland Group Chairman Alan Pattinson addressed the Fellowship and thanked the committee for their hard work throughout the year.
