– Christmas before the Christmas closure we had a week full of Christmas celebrations. 

On Tuesday 18^th, we had an afternoon performance by Salamander Quartet, made up of four very talented musicians. The performance took your imagination off to so many different places. The performance was enjoyed by everybody and was very interactive. A review of this performance along with all the musical performances we have had will be written up in February’s Newsletter. 

On Thursday 20^th December, we had our Christmas Lunch. In the morning, we had a hall full of fun activities and treats for all our members and volunteers. Firstly, we had free manicures curtesy of a class from Croydon College, while members had their nails done, others were playing with some tactile board games including giant connect four and we had some interactive fun with a Nintendo wii. We also had two members from The Body Shop team, displaying their different products and offering them at discounted prices. All followed by a big Christmas lunch and music from our very own Sue Ardley with SELO. 

A review of Christmas Party – Claire White 

What a dinner! Christmas arrived with a flourish at Bedford Hall on Thursday 20^th December. When we were welcomed in around 12.30; the hall was buzzing with excitement, the tables laid and old and new friends meeting together. 

We were given a marvellous Christmas feast, starting with turkey and the traditional trimmings, followed by Christmas pudding and brandy butter. Surprise, surprise, a little later mince pies and mulled wine then appeared and then I was completely astonished by the selection of cheese and biscuits. 

A mysterious Father Christmas wandered around greeting everyone spreading joy and the afternoon was completed with Christmas music performed by Sue and her friends from the South East London Orchestra with some hearty carol singing from us the audience.  
As we left, we were all given a little gift, which was a lovely gesture.