Mayor-ry Christmas everybody

MORE than 100 older people enjoyed a Christmas lunch at the town hall hosted by the Mayor.

Residents aged over 65 were invited to the event held in the Queen Elizabeth II hall on Tuesday afternoon.

Guests received sandwiches, scones and mince pies provided by Henley caterers Time for Tea Vintage.

Councillor Tom Buckley served tea, coffee, wine and other refreshments to guests.

He was assisted by town councillor Gill Dodds, district councillor Ken Arlett, town council markets and events manager Nicci Taylor, his assistant Leena Wisely and deputy clerk Steve Lambert.

Councillor Dave Eggleton made an appearance as “Santa Claus” and handed out chocolates.

Pupils from the chamber choir at Rupert House School in Henley sang carols and Christmas songs including Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, Away in a Manger, Once in Royal David’s City, Jingle Bell Rock and Winter Wonderland.

Guests sang and danced along as the pupils performed.

Fr Jeremy Tayler, the rector of Henley with Remenham, led the room in prayer. He said: “Heavenly father, as we prepare to celebrate the gift of the birth of your son Jesus Christ, we give you thanks for the gift of food, for the gift of company, we give you thanks, heavenly father, for the hands that have prepared and served the food.

“We ask for your blessing on this lunch, on all those gathered here today, we pray for you to keep us mindful always of the needs of others.”

Cllr Buckley welcomed the guests at the beginning of the lunch. He said the event was a tribute to all of those on whose shoulders the town stands.

He said: “Welcome to Henley town hall for the annual Christmas dinner. It’s a real pleasure as mayor to welcome you.

“This is one of the great traditions of this town and it’s a moment of the year when we all come together, not just to celebrate the season, but to celebrate all of you — the people who make Henley what it is.

“This afternoon is our chance to say thank-you to you for all the decades of things you’ve given to Henley and even to those who are new to Henley, to welcome you.

“Henley stands on the shoulders of everyone who has come here before me, many of those shoulders of this town are sitting in this room today, people who have volunteered for the town for years and years.

“Christmas is about joy, generosity and togetherness — three things that this town really excels at.

“I would also like to thank everyone who has helped to organise today’s celebrations, the volunteers, the town council staff who are here, community groups, Father Jeremy and all of the little elves that have been working behind the scenes.

“On behalf of the town, on behalf of my wife and I, we wish you all a very happy Christmas, peaceful New Year and a very enjoyable afternoon together.”

Guests included residents from Henley Manor, Acacia Lodge and Lashbrook care homes in Shiplake.

Brian Bloundele, 92, of St Mark’s Road, attended with his friend Tony Finch, 90.

He said: “I’ve been coming here for 20 years. I started coming here when Tony Lane was mayor. It’s nice to see all of the people here, you don’t get to see them often.”

Jenny Lewington and Linda Parks, of the 60+ Social Club in Greys Road car park, attended the lunch together.

Ms Lewington said: “I’ve been coming for three years. It’s just a nice get-together, there’s nice food, nice company and nice prizes.”

Ms Parks said it was her first time attending the lunch and that events like this help to keep “spirits up” among the town’s older residents.

Magician John Ryeland roamed the hall to entertain guests with various magic tricks.

Cllr Buckley called two games of bingo, with prizes given for a line and full house.

A raffle followed, with prizes donated from sponsors including Waitrose, Facy, Copas, Cllr Arlett, Majestic Wines, Gabriel Machin, Fairmile Vineyard and Hobbs Gin.

Town council communications manager Daisy Smith closed the event with a musical performance.