Oddfellows and Foresters had a great night out at The King Charles Hotel for this the first Foresters Formal event of 2012. It was nice to see old friends meeting in the foyer of the hotel. Some of us have been attending this function so long we are greeted as good old friends, though Oddfellows we always feel very welcome. At 18:45 the gong was sounded all all were invited to go in the restaurant. It was nice to see that the ladies were always served first. Food was served to table already complete which means all the food is on the plate and still hot.

We all asked to take our seats where we took grace. We all had the meal of Tomato Soup, Roast Sirloin, Yorkshire Pudding and Vegetables and Apple and Rhubarb Crumble with tea or Coffee to follow. There were presentations to the High Chief Ranger Richard Darlington of a new Gavel and an original Ancient of Foresters Badge in Sterling Silver and to the Chief Ranger and their ladies a spray of flowers. Richard said they had raised £36,000 so far for his charity Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Speeches over we moved on to the dancing. To change the mood of the dancing Brother Stephen Howden and Sister Marjorie Tennick filled in the request card with “Its raining Men” and “Locomotion”, Agadoo, Music Man and a few others this filled the dance floor. What was nice he played a few fast then something to smooch to then faster and so on all night.

There was a comprehensive raffle. All had a Special Foresters Chocolate bar on the side plates when they arrived. Each table had a two bottles of red and two bottles of white wine. There had been a draw earlier and Sister Christine Howden was presented with the table decoration on our table. Dancing went on to 23:45 ending with dancing to New York where a circle of dancers was formed, then a chorus of Land of Hope and Glory and finally the first verse of God Save the Queen. Richard Darlington and Moyra stood by the door to thank all for coming and wished them a safe journey home

This event will be at the same venue next year on Saturday 9th February 2013

Summer Lunch on 2nd June 2012. The place setting on the Dinner Dance had a
£5 voucher to be redeemed at this Lunch, normally £15, All Welcome