December Newsletter
FAB YOU LUSS DAHHHRLINGS are the words that sum up the Wessex Lotus Christmas Lunch and it was “strictly” for those who wanted to have a good time and scrummy food!
The day started with the car park gradually filling up with sparkling Lotus cars and their occupants congregating in the lounge of the hotel to rekindle old friendships with a drink and festive greeting. It was lovely to see Cos, Jules, Dave and Maureen from Sportomotive who were able to join us in our Christmas celebrations.
Once all forty four people had found a table we started the fun with a game of heads and tails which was won by Phil Jones. We then had a riotous time during dinner firing buzz balloons and party poppers at anyone and everyone that moved - the staff got quite good at dodging the missiles and there were no Lotus members injured during this event!
After our fantastic lunch, Secret Santa presents were passed around with some really nice surprises again this year from the Elves and Fairies. The free prize draw was well received and every couple were invited to choose their prize from a table of goodies.
Our “Name the Christmas Bear” competition was won by Jackie Campbell (the bear was called Dancer) which was a very appropriate choice as this is one of the many skills of the bear`s new mummy. Our host Chris, the hotel manager from the Sway Manor, made the draw for the prize of a Sunday Lunch for two at the Hotel, which was won by Richard and Donna Flegg.
For something different this year it was time for the Wessex Lotus Players Christmas Pantomime ‘Cinderella’ by Webb Productions. Starring Ian as the Good Fairy, James as Prince Charming, Kelly as The Ugly Sister, Simon as Cinderella and Jane as the Narrator, it was an Oscar winning performance by all and had the audience in peels of laughter.
After coffee we retired to the lounge area where comfy sofas welcomed us as we relaxed and listened to Lena playing the piano for us with a medley of Christmas Carols and John Luck, accompanied by Lena, singing Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera.
As the day came to a close we all said our goodbyes with festive goodwill and look forward to being together with our friends again in 2012.
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Sportomotive Wessex Lotus Christmas Calendars
For those of you who wish to purchase one (or more!) of these popular Calendars to get your New Year organised, there are some still available from Ian at a cost of £6.00 each but please be quick as there are not many left.
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FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Thursday 29th December – Waddle around Whitsbury
Why not come and join us for a weight-loosing Waddle around Whitsbury with friends after the festive indulgences of Christmas! We have decided to re-visit the area of our very first walk. For those of you who have not done it previously, the walk is
5 miles in the Hampshire countryside, fairly easy going (but some slight hills). For the most part it is on wide tracks and passes through woodland, beside paddocks and takes you through the historic grounds of Breamore House with its ancient Mis-Maze. Walking boots are recommended. It is a circular walk starting and finishing at The Cartwheel Inn, Whitsbury (sat nav SP6 3PZ). We shall be meeting at the pub at for a start. Lunch has been booked back at the pub for .
Sunday 1st January 2012 – Classic Car Meet
Please note:- Our first meeting of 2012 will NOT be on the first Sunday in January as this is New Years Day. However, for those of you who may wish to do something on New Years Day (and are sober enough!), there is a Classic Car Meet at the White Buck Inn, Burley starting from 9am. The Pub will be offering breakfast options and lunch with a Hog and Venison Roast.
Many thanks to Jonathon Harvey for this suggestion.
Sunday 8th January 2012 – Club Run
Our first Wessex Area Lotus Club Meeting of 2012 will be on Sunday 8th January.
We shall be meeting at Ian and Julia’s house rom for Tea, Coffee and Mince Pies, followed by a Club Run out to The Fox Inn at Ansty, Dorchester, DT2 7PN for Lunch at .
Saturday 21st / Sunday 22nd January 2012 – Night Away / January Jaunt
The accommodation for this event is now fully booked. Anyone wishing to join us for the meal on Saturday evening is most welcome, but you will need to book directly with the Sway Manor beforehand, quoting ‘Lotus Club Meal’. (Tel: 01590 682754)
A “Slow Saunter around Sway” will then be held on Sunday 22nd January for those wishing to participate. This is a 6 mile walk through the New Forest over gently undulating tracks and paths, a disused railway path and quiet village roads.
We will be meeting in The Sway Manor car park (SO41 6BA) at ready to start the walk at .
We have booked a table for lunch at at The Hare and Hound pub in Sway.
Saturday 11th February – Romantic Valentine Evening
Following on from the success of our Valentine Curry Night earlier this year, we are currently looking into a variety of eating out options to celebrate an early Valentines evening in 2012 so if you are interested, please make a note of this date on your calendars. Details of the venue and time will follow in January’s newsletter.
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WALK DATES FOR 2012 (They are all Sundays)
22nd January (details as above)
19th February
25th March (Terry)
15th April
20th May, June – no walk
15th July (Jane)
19th August
16th September
21st October
18th November
December - tbc
Next year is a landmark year for the Wessex Area as it was 10 years ago that I first thought of starting the Wessex meetings and sent out the first newsletter, never thinking that it would develop into such a large group of good friends. We have lots of exciting things planned to celebrate our anniversary so watch this space.
2012 is also the 50th Anniversary of the original Elan and hopefully we will be able to celebrate this in some appropriate way.
Finally I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you all for your support again in 2011 and wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
See you soon
Ian