Christmas Party 2023

Anyone standing in the rain outside the hall might have believed they were hearing a professional choir performing inside! But no, the dulcet tones were those of Civic Society Members, in hearty voice as they sang along to songs and carols as part of the Society’s Christmas social event.

Over 70 Members came together in the hall of St Wilfrid’s church, on a thoroughly wet and grey Saturday afternoon, to make and renew friendships; to enjoy a glass of wine or juice, or a good old cup of tea; and to take the lead from Christine and Mandy from the Harrogate Dramatic Society in exercising their vocal chords.

Jane and Paul did brisk trade at their book-stall, Stuart spoke at the end of the Society’s achievements during 2023 and what’s on the agenda for 2024, and just a tiny few lonely mince pies remained untouched when the party came to a close.

One minor hiccup arose in the lead-up. The hall’s boilers had been a bit on the blink. Would members have to shiver inside, clad in their thermals, bobble hats and woolly gloves? Well no, of course not! The church had swiftly arranged back-up heaters but then, a couple of hours before the party, the boilers miraculously came back to life. In the end, the heat from the radiators was matched perfectly with the warmth and friendliness of the party atmosphere in the hall. Kevin Hales.