New Year Party

Last night we hosted the New Year Party of "Nota Bene", a small choir in the village which we belong to and which sings at Christmas, Easter, Harvest and other special occasions. We set up three long tables in our dining room and borrowed 20 plates, dishes, wine glasses and cutlery from the Village Hall. Jenny cooked the hot dishes and members brought salads, puddings, cheese and biscuits and wine. Four rounds of "Beetle" whetted appetites for the main course, then we had a twenty questions quiz, followed by the puddings and a crazy game where everyone had to bid for everyone elses' "presents" wrapped in gift paper so they did not know what they were. After the meal members divided into three teams, each given the task of writing and rehearsing (in 30 minutes) a short murder sketch, to be performed in front of the other two teams. Extra points were awarded for use of props, costumes, music and singing. The results were amazing, inventive and hilarious but I was so busy awarding points that I forgot to take photographs of the performances. The photo I do have shows Pat demonstrating how to fold a napkin so that it looks like a large mouse and then make it jump up and down.

A Happy New Year to all

Best wishes to everyone for a happy, peaceful and prosperous 2010. Did you see the New Year in with a party, bells and fireworks at midnight? We hope so. This year we had to go without a party as three days ago I had an operation on my right hand to correct a Dupuytren's contracture (see photo) and was still feeling a bit too delicate for noisy fun and games. But we had a lovely night in together, watched two excellent British films on BBC2 TV and shared a bottle of sparkling wine. At midnight we listened to the chimes of Big Ben on the radio and opened the window to see and hear the fireworks going off in the village. Now we are looking forward to an exciting 2010.