Christmas Party Nov 2022
It was a fun Christmas party at our new venue, the Orchard House at St John’s Village in Howick, despite the dismal weather, drizzle and cool temperatures.
A big marquee on the side of the veranda (for a concert held the night before) added space for our party of 52 hikers.
Tea time and braai time
Because of the heavy rain the days before, the planned hike around St Johns, to be led by Alistair, was cancelled. So the early party-goers arrived from 10.30 for tea and mince pies and camaraderie.
The braai units, provided by St Johns, were under cover. Another plus for this venue. Each hiker was asked to bring a salad to share. What an array of wonderful salads we enjoyed.
We needed 2 large tables to accommodate them! The club provided tea, coffee, mince pies, sherry and dessert, which was ice cream and chocolate sauce.
Donation basket
The hikers were asked to donate a bottle of peanut butter to be given to Singakwenza. This is an award- winning early childhood development programme for rural children in KZN. Peanut butter provides essential protein for children’s developing brains. The big basket was overflowing.
Thank you, hikers, for being so generous
Entertainment
The outdoor games, golf, croquet etc were abandoned because of the soggy ground and rain. Our chairman, Andy, and his son, Edward, provided musical entertainment.
Young Ed singing more contemporary songs and playing his acoustic guitar while Andy crooned a few numbers familiar to the oldies. Most enjoyable after lunch relaxation.
Awards
Then came the awards.
Hike Report of the Year was awarded to Penny Purchase for her report on the Frosty Peaks hike. A huge effort in that the report covered a five day hike.
Christa Gadd was awarded the 2022 Photo of the Year with her stunning photo taken near Giants Castle during the Giants Cup Trail hike.
The most festively dressed lady went to Margret Kirsten in her creative red and white outfit with white boots. She looked so cute, like one of Santa’s little gnome helpers!
Kate Brown came a close second, stylishly attired from head to toe, with red jacket, white tights, a headband of sorts and even Christmas socks!
Father Christmas & Christmas Fairy
Father Christmas then arrived with cheerful bonhomie. He had a new Christmas fairy this year in the form of dainty, shapely Libby Deysel, disguised with a very becoming blonde wig.
F.Christmas’ legs were also visible and shapely but we noticed he’d put on a bit of weight in the midriff region. His belt was doing a valiant job at keeping his belly supported. He cheerfully played around and distributed chocolates with much chuckling from the audience.
Such fun entertainment to end the party.
End notes
Tea and coffee were available, sadly the mince pies were all gone. A large gang of the committee and other willing helpers, buzzed around, washing and drying everything, so that we left the Orchard House in the good condition we found it in. Thanks, as always, to the committee for their stalwart help in planning and running this festive party in this superb venue. I’m looking forward to next year’s party already!
Calendars
The beautiful MHC calendars were ready for collection at the party. We are grateful to Alistair for once more compiling these lovely calendars of our hiking events, arranging the printing, pre-ordering and distribution.
They were R87 each, pre-paid
