LOOKING BACK - On a cold, drizzly, snow-covered afternoon, it makes me feel warmer and cheery to think back to our Christmas party in December. Nearly seventy members arrived to a vibrant array of red and (not green) but yellow, as the hall and tables were decorated in the Spanish colours with cloths, napkins, bunting and flags. After chatting to friends over a glass of sangria with Spanish music floating in the background, we took our seats. The entertainment started with some delightful and humourous poetry from Val Littlehales. Her colourful, floral outfit (including an amazing hat) and rolling accent perfectly complemented the garden themed poetry and gave us a great start to the evening. Having so far resisted the three glasses of Harvey's Manzanilla La Gitana, Amontillado and Bristol Cream sherry glowing in each place setting, we were then ready for Sandy to begin her excellent and informative tasting session. As the evening progressed and members realised that each sherry had a new and abundant plate of accompanying tapas, the level of happy chatter rose and the committee could start to relax, with the realisation that our experiment was going down well. A lucky winner took home a fabulous hamper of tasty Spanish goodies and Anne Shepherdson won the table decoration competition.

The only problem (as several members pointed out) is how are we going to match that next Christmas? One husband suggested a fish and chip van, which while we were clearing up afterwards, felt like a good idea, but don't worry – no doubt we will get our creative thinking caps on again. We aim to please!