Christmas Lunch 2011 - Ken Batstone  updated 18Dec11

Sir Colin gave a short speech reminding everybody of the superb achievements of the Kingston and Dunsfold Teams and how their products had served our country in every war and battlefield since WW11. These achievements were something to be proud of.

After the meal, the usual Xmas Raffle took place offering 8 prizes ranging from port and sherry through chocolates, biscuits and calendars to a large scale Harrier GR3 model kit. So eight diners went home even happier than the other forty!

Everyone agreed that the YMCA Staff had once again done an excellent job in providing a very pleasing seasonal environment for an excellent meal.

We must now start saving our pennies for the next Event; our annual Summer BBQ in June 2012!

On Wednesday December 14th, our 9th annual Christmas Lunch was held in the Hawker YMCA Centre in Richmond Road (our old Hawker Sports and Social Club).

48 Members and Guests attended the Lunch, which commenced at 12.30pm with a glass of wine and a chance to catch up with old friends and colleagues.

Everyone was seated by 1.30pm when the YMCA Staff served the traditional Xmas 3-course meal. Crackers were pulled to reveal assorted contents plus the usual humorous and original jokes! Half the diners put on their paper hats, while the other half said they couldn't find their hats in the cracker wrappings. (What a lame excuse!).

After the meal, our Chairman (Ambrose Barber) explained that our Past President, John Glasscock, had been unable to attend due to his recent hip surgery. He went on to say it was gratifying to note that the Kingston Local Authority was now fully behind the plans to commemorate Kingston's Aviation Heritage. The Chairman then introduced our current President, Sir Colin Chandler.

Panoramas created by Richard Cannon by stitching together pictures taken by Frank Rainsborough.