Sidmouth folk enjoy pre-Christmas parties

Sidmouth Lions throw seasonal spread for 85 pensioners

OLDER members of Sidmouth’s community have enjoyed pre-Christmas party treats this week.

On Tuesday afternoon, Sidmouth Lions provided 85 pensioners with tea and entertainment at St Francis Church hall, Woolbrook, for two hours.

Guests were first entertained by Sidmouth Primary School choir, conducted by Cathy Badcock and accompanied on piano by Steph Dommett.

“The children delighted the audience with a beautiful selection of Christmas carols,” said president of Sidmouth Lions, Chris Rignall, who thanked the choir and head, Paul Walker for letting them perform.

It was then the turn of The Knowle House Singers, led by Peter Atkinson, accompanied by Frances Archer, to perform less well known carols, with Linda encouraging the audience to join in.

Before a sumptuous tea of sandwiches, sausage rolls, cakes, scones and mince pies was served by Lions and ladies, the inimitable Wally Cotgrave, accompanied by Celia Monck on piano, entertained, urging partygoers to join in.

After winners of a teatime draw were presented with their gifts, Mr Rignall invited Lions and ladies into the hall for guest to show their appreciation. He also thanked Lion Ian Skinner for organising the party and two St John Ambulance members for attending.

Meanwhile, residents of Lymebourne and Arcot Park, enjoyed Christmas celebrations of their own and Herald photographer Alex Walton was there to catch the laughter and merry making.