THANK YOU
All you folks out there in Skittle Land for the collections you made or donations you gave towards the
Cheltenham Senior Citizens Tea Party
This year, the party took place on Monday November 28th, and was generally well attended the weather held, last year the last minute dreadful weather prevented a lot of people attending but this time we are happy to record almost 200 in attendance.
It is a difficult event to call, some 300 tickets were distributed, through Cheltenham Borough Homes, Senior Citizens Clubs, Luncheon Clubs, the Municipal offices and through the League but it is always a guessing game as to how many will come through that front door.
The Town Hall staff had ensured that the Hall was well decorated, including the two traditional trees either side of the stage, and the food (a light tea consisting of cheese sandwiches, ham sandwiches, Fruit Cake and Mince Pies) was well received. Humbugs, and Fudge Sweets were scattered on the tables for eating through the concert. The view from the stage was a sea of smiley faces underneath their Christmas Cracker hats.
Tony Meadows, Skittle League Chairman presented Jo Bailey (Chair of the Committee) with a cheque for £1500, which secures next years party....and explained how you, our skittlers, had chipped in to raise this sum.
The concert opened with a 48 strong Choir Age Uk, who sang a variety of Christmas songs putting everyone in a light hearted mood after having tapped their toes and joined in with the chorus.........followed by Janet Marshall Dance Academy next with around 24 young ladies dancing a variety of modern dances, finishing up with their wish that everyone had a MERRY CHRISTMAS
To finish the evening, the Krush Jazz Trio, who first appeared last year and came back by popular demand, ran through a gentle repertoire of old and new songs which so many of the audience knew.
This year, instead of using coaches to transport people home, a fleet of taxi and mini buses was organised to travel to the four corners of Cheltenham dropping people off along the way. For a first time effort, although slightly chaotic, it worked well and no-one was left behind, and thanks go to our skittlers who are also drivers, particularly Keith Bronger, and Keith Williams.......who ensured safe journeys home for the party goers.
Thanks go to our skittlers, Wendy, Jackie, Mary, Sandra, Tina, and Pat, who came along and helped dress the tables with decorations and crackers, and who, after health and safety training, joined Town Hall Staff in pouring the teas and coffees, clearing away after tea, ensuring the Choir had eats and drinks, and the Dancers had squashes to accompany their sandwiches and cakes.
These parties are quite often the first and only Christmas merriment some of our senior citizens attend, and they could not take place without your funding.........the cost of the parties is balanced between the free bits and pieces and the charged bits and pieces..........and as you may know, catering now has to be purchased .....so you can see how costs can add up.
This year, we presumed, even with The Mayor in attendance, it would be tricky to encourage the Echo to come along and take pictures so our thanks go to webmaster Phil, who came along to ensure he had something to show you on the website.
All these things take time, and it is double time if you not only raise money, but also turn up to help out !!
So lastly, am passing on thanks from the Cheltenham Senior Citizens Committee to all members of the League who have helped in some way to ensuring that this years party was such a success, and their
BEST WISHES TO EVERYONE FOR A MERRY CHRISTMAS
Charmian
Hon. Secretary Cheltenham Skittles League
Click here for photographs