Organiser Ken Batstone (to whom many thanks) reports…
    On Wednesday December 11th 2019, the 17th annual Association Christmas Lunch was held as usual in the YMCA Hawker Centre. For those who didn't know, or may have forgotten, this was the old Sports Club for the Hawker Aircraft factory next door. Thirty eight Members and guests attended, which was markedly down on last year, probably due to illness and the sad demise of a number of Members during the year.
     Before grace was said by the Rev Vernon Lidstone and the lunch served, there was convivial conversation over a glass (or two) of wine. The traditional Christmas fare provided was of excellent quality and generous quantity, and could not be faulted. The YMCA also generously provided a glass of mulled wine at the start of the meal and further supplies of wine during it! Afterwards there were short speeches by the Chairman, Chris Roberts, and the President, Colin Wilson, the content of which could not possibly give offence to anyone; even twitter officianados. Coffee and mince pies were then enjoyed before the raffle concluded the afternoon.
    On behalf of the diners, the Committee expressed sincere thanks to the Hawker Centre staff for providing another excellent meal to the consistently high standard maintained over the years; it is much appreciated.