It’s hard to think that another year has come and gone, but alas, it has and here we are another year older, although this writer must confess to not being any wiser! In any case Season’s Greetings to all members and I hope that you are all in rude health and like me, looking forward to a New Year and a new Government!

All the “old reliables” duly performed at the Drop In. Everyone joined in with gusto on all the carol singing. John did his thing with the Saw; Joe was an avuncular Master of Ceremonies, the Wexford Carol was sung sweetly and the session was rounded off with a resounding rendition of the Fairy Tale of New York by Eoin. Cór Cnoc Liamhna, the Irish choir sang a carol but unfortunately time did not allow for additional singing from the choir. The choir is in urgent need of male voices! If you are a baritone, a tenor or indeed can string a few vocal chords together, the choir wants to hear from you! Joe or Una Johnston are at the end of a phone to take your details!

A huge thank you Branch Committee for their hard work in rolling out the Drop In’s for the year. Our thanks too the the staff of BYCC for their hard work in assisting us and in particular their hard work in providing the sandwiches and mince pies and tea/coffee so expeditiously today to such a large crowd. A personal word of thanks to the electrics man who ensured that the overhead projector worked seamlessly with my laptop.

Finally, a word of warning to those members who absconded with two mince pies! We are examining CCTV footage to catch those pesky rascals who helped themselves to my mince pie and the mince pies of many others. The “heavy gang” will be paying you a visit before Christmas! Next year, committee, more mince pies and less sandwiches, please!

I am also appealing to members who have something to contribute to the blog to please send me their articles. I will use the mailing system to inform you how you can do that. Merry Christmas!