MORE than 90 of Henley’s elderly residents attended the Mayor’s Christmas party at the town hall.

The guests were welcomed by Gordon Mintern playing the organ and Henley girl guides handed out Christmas cards.

After a festive buffet lunch, which included Christmas cake and sherry, they were entertained by singer Vince Hill, from Shiplake, who performed songs including his 1967 hit Edelweiss. He was accompanied by Ken McCarthy on a keyboard piano.

The Badgemore Primary School choir performed a selection of songs and Mayor Elizabeth Hodgkin led a singalong.

There was also a game of bingo and a raffle with prizes donated by businesses and a visit by Father Christmas. Former Henley Mayor Tony Lane, who lives at Acacia Lodge care home in Quebec Road, wona meal at the Café Le Raj restaurant in Reading Road. Staff from insurance company Towergate Risk Solutions were among the volunteers who helped run the event, which was supported by more than 60 shops, businesses, clubs and residents.

The Mayor said: “It was a lovely party with a really nice atmosphere and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. An awful lot of work went into it thanks to the town hall staff and all the volunteers who came to pick up and drop people off and help out. The food was fabulous and Vince Hill was great.”

Brian Bloudele, 79, of St Mark’s Road, said: “I have been coming here for 15 years. It is very nice to have a special occasion with my old friends.” Julia Yeo, of Vicarage Road, said: “It is absolutely wonderful and you can tell because everybody’s smiling.”

Published 14/12/12