The Paviors’ Christmas Dinner was again organized by the Luncheon Club and held in Stationers’ Hall on Monday 10 December and attended by around 110 members and guests.
The evening started with diners drawing their seat numbers prior to a champagne reception in the large Ante Room, where the noise levels from meeting and greeting soon reached a high level. Called to dinner by the Learned Clerk, everyone moved to the main Banqueting Hall, resplendent with its timber panelling, armorial flags and stained glass windows – including the masterpiece of William Caxton delivering the first printed book.
The Rev Canon Bernard Metcalfe said grace in his inimitable style – handcrafted for the occasion – to the pleasure of all present. And so to the Dinner itself, which started with a Scottish smoked salmon terrine, citrus cured, pickled sea salad and Yazu dressing. This was accompanied by a Spinnaker White Wine from South Africa’s Western Cape. The main course was roast Christmas turkey and roast potatoes, sausage wrapped in bacon, seasonal vegetables, cranberry and bread sauces – all accompanied by a Western Cape Spinnaker Red Wine. Finally, there was a dessert of dark chocolate mousse cylinder, with salted caramel, honeycomb and clementines. The food and wines were delicious and complimented each other beautifully.
Chairman Tom Barton then proposed the Loyal Toast, which was followed by coffee and mince pies and a rather splendid Taylor’s LBV Port. The lucky draw was then made for six prizes which included a hamper, various wines, and one lucky guest won the centrepiece floral bouquet created by Marcia Chapman, which was truly a work of art!
After a short comfort break, John Freestone introduced the main event, which was the return of the Megan Morris Welsh Ensemble, comprising two sopranos Ellen Williams and Angharad Davies, tenor Rhodri Jones, baritone Emyr Wyn Jones, all accompanied by Megan Morris on her harp. The musical entertainment was of a very high professional standard. Each artiste performed a solo, there were duets and whole group performance of classical and popular songs, interspersed with traditional Welsh and Christmas carols. Halfway through the hour’s programme, the audience were invited to sing three carols In the Bleak Midwinter, Once in Royal David’s City and Hark the Herald Angels Sing.
Tom Barton thanked all those involved in the running of the evening, especially Louise Penston, and made a toast to the guests. The Master responded on their behalf, then Tom Barton concluded the evening by inviting all to a stirrup cup before wending their way homewards. A splendid evening all round with excellent food, wine and entertainment heralding the start of the Christmas festivities for most.
The photographic archive contains some images of this event which can be seen by clicking here.