Companionship at Christmas time

ABOUT 70 people attended this year’s Christmas lunch held at the 60+ Social Club in Henley.

Members of the club, in Greys Road car park, tucked into turkey roast dinner with all the trimmings followed by a game of bingo on Monday last week.

The Yoko Mainwaring Experience band played Christmas favourites, including Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, When Santa Got Stuck up the Chimney and Away in a Manger.

Peter McConnell, who lives in Henley and plays acoustic guitar, said the band had played at the lunch for the last three years.

“We love playing for this,” he said. “It’s great fun seeing them all singing and clapping along. We get so much joy out of it.” Club managers Jackie Handley and Rebecca Mee organised the meal and were assisted by a team of volunteers wearing Santa hats, reindeer antlers and sparkly Christmas bows. Mrs Mee’s husband, Craig, was the chef. She said: “Every year we do a big Christmas party with a big raffle, lunch and music.

“Some of them might not be seeing many people at Christmas, so this is nice for them.”

Tomalin and Son funeral services in Reading Road sponsored the £750 meal, while the Anthony (Tony) Lane Foundation also gave a contribution.

Club chairwoman Gill Dodds, who is also a town councillor, said: “This is the biggest and most successful lunch we have ever had.

“Our supporters and donators are very generous with helping us to organise this.”

Gwynn Ansey, who attends the club three times a week, said: “I come here because it’s an excellent lunch and I don’t have to cook it, which is a bonus.”

Tony Finch came wearing his blue Christmas tie, decorated with snowmen and sat with friends, Brian Bloundele and Patrick Vincent.

Mr Finch said: “I bought this as my Christmas tie. I’m very proud of it. I get it out for the occasion.”

Mr Bloundele, 95, who lives in St Mark’s Road, has lived in Henley for 50 years. He joined the social club 30 years ago.

Mr Vincent moved to Henley from the United States a few months ago and attends the social club on Fridays for the roast dinner.

Eileen Haggart, originally from Edzell village, Angus, Scotland, moved to Henley in September.

She said: “When I came to Henley I was looking for things to do and how to meet people.

“After asking around, I was told about the crafts club here and I became a member.”

Mayor of Henley Tom Buckley greeted guests before food was served, walking between the two large tables and shaking hands with nearly everyone.

Addressing the room, he said: “As a trustee of the club, I think this is one of the best things that Henley has to offer. We’ve got 70 of you here for Christmas dinner. Thank you all for supporting the over-60s club and those of you who are down here and helping.

“The club wouldn’t be anything without the members and it wouldn’t be anything without the volunteers who run it. The food looks and smells amazing. I wish you all a merry Christmas and a very happy New Year and I look forward to seeing you all next year when we can have more dinners.”

Raffle prizes were donated by the Argyll pub, Zizzi’s, Pizza Express, Wetherspoon, Gabriel Machin, Temptation Gifts, Cook and Pielicious. First prize in the raffle was a £50 Waitrose voucher, which was bought by the social club.

The club provides a warm space for the over-60s to socialise and take part in different activities, including seated yoga and crafting and has more than 130 members.

The club also serves a two-course lunch every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.