Members of the Grange Players had been looking forward to the Christmas “do” on Saturday 13th December. It would be the first for some years to be held at the Playhouse and some of us wondered whether it would be as enjoyable as those we had had elsewhere. We were not to be disappointed.

As we reached the side door of the theatre we were ushered into the auditorium and offered mulled wine or cranberry and orange punch while we chatted with the other guests. When, at last, we were invited to go down the steps and through the main auditorium doors we were astonished! Instead of a foyer with five round tables that would seat no more than twenty, it had become a wonderfully decorated dining room, complete with long tables covered in white linen cloths set out with linen napkins, classic cutlery, sparkling glasses, crackers and party toys, all interspersed with bottles of bubbly in their ice buckets.

After the thirty-or-so of us (young and not so young) were seated, we were served the first course by two lady members dressed as Edwardian maids wearing white frilly aprons and mob caps. For the main course there was a choice between a cold buffet set out in the entrance hall and a hot carvery that offered beef, pork and turkey with a wide range of vegetables. And there was plenty left over for anyone who could manage a little more. Finally (having had a rest) we helped ourselves from a wide selection of delicious desserts and fresh fruit, followed by coffee – Irish if preferred.

Of course the evening did not end there. We had brought our own drinks and there was further socialising and dancing and people having a thoroughly good time.
What a splendid affair it had been, and all thanks to Martin, the guy who, with a little help from just one or two other members, had put on such a marvellous dinner for us.

The following selection of photographs will perhaps give some idea of this most enjoyable occasion.