25th November – Christmas Party at the Wroxham.
40 of us met up at the Hotel Wroxham on the Norfolk Broads for this year’s Christmas Party. Most of us arrived during the afternoon, some going shopping while others (us included) found a cosy spot by the fire in the lounge and enjoyed a glass (or two) of mulled wine. Wendy, the owner of the Hotel, and her staff had decorated the room for our evening meal with Christmas Trees, fresh roses on the table, crackers and candles and it looked beautiful overlooking the Broads.
A three course meal was served to us from 7.30pm onwards, which we had all pre-ordered, and again it was excellent. We had decided not to have a disco this year, but had taken our own music as background for the evening.
A warm welcome to Richard and Neeta, attending their first R12 gathering, we hope they enjoyed the evening as much as we did. We drew back our bedroom curtains Sunday morning to a lovely sunny day, and watched as a flock of swans flew past our window landing on the river. We were also delighted to see an otter just outside the Hotel decking area eating a fish he had caught for his breakfast. After a leisurely breakfast we all said our goodbyes and made our respective ways home.
November 28th – Quidenham Children’s Hospice.
Tony and Colleen had been invited to a tour of the Children’s Hospice at Quidenham, situated in the grounds of the Carmelite Monastery. The Hospice has been caring for children there for 25 years, and we were amazed and humbled by the dedication and compassion of the staff who have to work in very cramped rooms. However, land has been purchased at Poringland just outside Norwich, and building began mid-November on a purpose built Hospice called “The Nook”. We asked if someone would be able to visit us at a club night in 2018 to explain the importance of their work and what this new building would mean to many families who have a child with a life-threatening illness, so watch out for that one.
Dec 12th – Club Night Christmas Social at the Bird in Hand.
The weather didn’t help as snow decided to arrive early for Christmas, however 33 members braved the weather to enjoy the last event of 2017 which began with Tony once more donning his Auctioneer’s hat to auction off several items, many of which had been donated. A buffet followed with dessert and teas/coffees and then the raffle was drawn. Colleen had been buying all things “Christmassy” for several months and Brian did a sterling job of selling raffle tickets, plus taking photographs of the evening.
All proceeds will go towards “The Nook” Appeal as mentioned above. We were very touched when Andrew and Gail presented us with a beautiful bouquet, our thanks to everyone.