Well, it may seem unlikely in the extreme to describe a Catholic Women's League lunch as not for the faint hearted. Certainly the Christmas Lunch for the CWL Lymington Section at the Stanwell Hotel had all the essentially reassuring ingredients: tasty seasonal dishes, mini mince pies, Christmas crackers and party poppers. The assembled ladies were warmly but glamorously adorned.
Peggy Walsh's attendance, in a crimson berry ensemble, was particularly welcomed. But additional excitement of the unexpected kind was provided by Father Danny, who recited a selection of dark fairy tales from Roald Dahl's "Revolting Rhymes" between courses, complete with moral analysis.
We had just recovered our composure over tea and coffee when a vivacious Anne Heppenstall took centre stage to give a rousing rendition of "The Shooting of Dan McGrew", the Yukon-cowboy poem by Robert W. Service, notably referred to in song as "Put The Blame on Mame". (The poem, that is, not Anne.)
It should be noted that table manners were universally impeccable (apart from a couple of wall-lights bedecked with streamers from an expertly aimed party popper - surely not Patricia!).
What delightful company: Ladies Who Lunch indeed!
Many thanks to the lovely Joan Hayward for organizing it all.
Our thanks to Giselle for the photos and for the commentary.
1 comment:
It was lovely to be part of the ladies' Christmas lunch; I'm quite glad there isn't an active branch of CWL more local to me! It would be wonderful to see other new members at future gatherings: I've been made very welcome.
All the gals (and Father Dan) were quite animated, so I got carried away taking photos, several of which have made it through the edit! I can confirm that Joan Hayward's glass was not actually as large as it appears in that shot; and I have it on excellent authority (Joan's) that it contained finest tap water.
Have a Christmas as fabulous as you are, ladies x
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