Carols at the Village Hall
It was another night of fun and lusty singing in the Village Hall under the guidance of Hilary Sage as the Compre without compare. Hilary set everyone alight, made Ron and Betty Prime a perfect pair of Turtle Doves, and Peter Hart the best Partridge in a Pear Tree that's ever been heard. She also contributed to the "Add another verse to I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas"competition by adding and singing six new verses containing some biting and brilliant commentary on various parts of the village.
Andrew Noyse's band has expanded with Helena Pumfrey on violin and in the middle of the evening the Gay Bulleid Prize was presented to Caroline and James Matheson for their work on the Crier. There appears to be a change as "community contribution"as well as "good works"becomes a possible reason for the award.
Thanks to all who helped to make it a success and the whole village owes a thank you to Dave and Sue Jackson who provided the lighting for the tree outside the Hall and also to the Tea Club which decorated with impeccable taste the tree inside the Hall, the erection of which was aided by Bob Matheson.
Six New Verses of I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas - Which were Written and Sung By Hilary Sage
I'm dreaming of aWHITE Christmas
With High Street houses painted cream,
Or a tasteful tint
Or just a hint -
Of grey - or is this just a dream?
I'm dreaming of a WET Christmas
With muddy droves all flooded o'er,
And the water lapping
And ducks a-quacking,
As Fenland washes 'neath our doors.
I'm dreaming of a BRIGHT Christmas
With Fairview Grove and their bonfire,
And with Lower End lighting
And neighbours fighting
To pen their anguish to The Crier.
I'm dreaming of a NEWChristmas
With classy building on the hill,
And the poo-free edges
Of well-cut hedges
Leading tourists to a well-kept mill.
I'm dreaming of a QUIET Christmas
With tel'phone boxes unvandalised
And the general welter
Near our bus shelter
No longer always scandalized.
I'm dreaming of a GOOD Christmas
When neighbours gather in the Hall,
Just to stop a while
And share a smile
To say 'Happy Christmas to you all'.