OUR CHRISTMAS JOLLY
Stan Waight

The December meeting was very-well attended, and took the form of a social evening, the principal ingredients of which were a quiz, a raffle, a slide show and, of course, the food and wine.
Our Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Nigel, acted as Quizmaster and was ably supported by Lin. They set us four rounds of questions, lulling us into a false sense of security by making the first so easy that every table did well  -  from Round 2 onwards the scoring rate wasn't nearly so good!
Then there was the supper  -  such a spread that I felt sure everyone had brought enough for two.   Although there was waitress service for the wine, it was buffet-style for the food, and there was such great variety that we hardly knew where to start.   The buzz of conversation increased noticeably during this period.
The raffle that followed was quite splendid, and there seemed no end to the prizes (since our table didn't get a look in, I can't say what was on offer, but it seemed to me that every other winner was clutching a bottle!).
Finally came a trip through Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway, courtesy of Vera (at the microphone) and Neville (at the projector).  The slides were first-class and gave us a taste of a part of Europe that is not always considered when making holiday choices.
Even the Parish Council had played its part by decorating the hall in right royal fashion, and, all in all, it was a most enjoyable evening.   Our grateful thanks must go to the Committee for organising it.

FEEDBACK FROM OUR READERS

WELHS member Marie Newton writes…….

Re: Westender October/November 2003
I enjoyed the photo of the Holiday Inn. Last time I stayed in one it overlooked San Diego Harbour, not quite the same here but I agree it is a good addition to West End. However, I must correct you on "a waste section of land". Most of the land on which the Holiday Inn stands was covered by well cultivated allotments - over a number of years. I know because I had one! We were moved in 1989 at very short notice and given alternative plots at Moorgreen. In hindsight there was no panic as building on the hotel was delayed until now. Incidentally they were known as Hickley Allotments, referring back to Hickley Farm.
Ed.  My apologies, this is what you get when the writer is a "new boy" to the area (I moved back to West End only 8 years ago, so sadly did not see the allotments in use.

WELHS member Ray Upson mentioned…..

The Holiday Inn is not the first hotel we have had in West End. Black House opposite Haskins Garden Centre near the crest of Gaters Hill was originally a hotel.
Ed.  I stand corrected. Many thanks for the information.

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