The Paviors celebrated Christmas this year with a dinner and party organized by the Paviors’ Luncheon Club at Apothecaries’ Hall on Monday, 12th December. The date was fortunately selected on a day when there were no rail strikes, but an overnight fall of snow made transport difficult, and some members who had booked could not attend at the last minute. Nevertheless, those who could travel were treated to a most enjoyable evening, as now expected of this event.
Participants gathered for a welcome reception before proceeding into dinner. Diners were dressed formally in dinner jackets and ‘posh frocks’, but most elaborated on this with festive decoration, and much imagination had clearly been used with this. Lots were drawn for seating places, and these were later used as entries for the raffle. This year, the traditional turkey fayre was replaced by an excellent Beef Wellington main course, and well-chosen wines accompanied the dinner. Luncheon Club Chairman John Price proposed the Loyal Toast.
Entertainment was provided by soprano Olivia Grace Piper who sang a mixture of classical works and popular songs and carols. She then led communal carol-singing where everyone did their best to join in with full voice. A highlight of the evening was a raffle, with prizes of hampers and wine that, as expected, were well received by the winners. The evening concluded with a stirrup cup before people departed to battle the cold weather on their journey home.
Many thanks are due to the Luncheon Club committee members, ably supported by Secretary Liz Morgan, for again laying on such an enjoyable and festive event.