The Car Treasure Hunt held on Sunday 2nd July turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable event. Some 14 cars were entered. With a list of clues, riddles and with treasure to be collected, the cars set off at 5 minute intervals for what should have been a 25-mile round trip (some travelled many miles longer!!), taking in Old Linslade, Heath and Reach, Woburn, Aspley Guise and a return via Frost's Garden Centre and the southerly edges of Milton Keynes. Once back a refreshing bar and BBQ awaited. The Humphreys family were victorious on the day, securing the winners wreath and a bottle of bubbly, but we're still trying to work out the meaning behind their team name the “PWOOGAHOOMPHTAMAS”
The quiz night held at the Community Centre on the evening of Saturday 30th September was a thoroughly enjoyable event. Some eight teams took part, and everyone enjoyed a complimentary drink on arrival, followed by an evening of table drink service, a splendid Chilli or frankfurter meal along with side plates of chips. Over the ten rounds of questions which also included a picture round, the ‘Tyrells Tyrants’ proved the most successful team of the evening – who knew a gathering of Hedgehogs is known as an Array – Well ‘Tyrells Tyrants’ did!! To round off the evening a highly amusing and entertaining round of ‘Play Your Cards Right’ took place.
For the Senior Citizens Xmas lunch held on Saturday 2nd December. More than 30 of our more senior residents, were thoroughly well fed and watered at this annual gathering. A glass of bubbly on hand for all as they arrived, following by a full 3 course lunch (with wine of course!) finished off by a medley of Christmas songs and carols, delightfully sung by more than twenty members of the High Ash Choir. As a parting gift, all diners were provided with a seasonal Poinsettia plant. Much thanks must go to the large band of volunteers who helped out on the day. We must also reserve special thanks to Tesco’s Bletchley who kindly donated so much of the food and Costco’s Milton Keynes who also provided a most helpful monetary donation.
On the afternoon of Saturday the 7th July, the new circular banqueting tables were rolled out and bedecked with white tablecloths and dark blue toppers to create a luxurious feel to this event. Three tiered cake stands were groaning under the weight of the crustless sandwiches and fine cakes along with scones, jam and clotted cream, All washed down with a glass of Proseco on arrival and as many cups of tea or coffee that you desired. This event was totally sponsored by the Community Association.
With most events curtailed due to Covid-19 it was great to open up again with the Afternoon Tea event of July being our first. Covid precautions were followed with food individually plated up for those that attended. The picture shows everything prepared before everyone arrived. .
All that attended the Afternoon Tea event on July 23rd enjoyed a fabulous selection of freshly prepared sandwiches and an assortment of fancy cakes, all washed down with tea or coffee, although some preferred to stick with the replenished glasses of Prosecco. But it did not end there as Les a village resident and our mobile hairdresser, entertained everyone with some songs from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé and Matt Monro.
There was an amazing turnout of in excess of 50 residents joining us at the Community Centre on Saturday 10th December to enjoy a fabulous 3 course Xmas lunch, helped along by bubbly and a choice of wines. Once again Les our resident singer was on the scene to entertain all with a marvellous medley of classical Christmas songs. Much thanks as always must go out to our band of volunteer helpers without whom the event could not be put on and with a special mention to Geoff who somehow manages to coordinate all the food preparation in the kitchen, and to Clifford and Pauline who got up so early on he Saturday to cook the turkey in their Aga Range. We must also acknowledge the donations received from the local Gardening Club and the Parish Council that helps finance the event.
On the day of King Charles III Coronation Saturday 6th May the Community Centre laid on a Picnic Party Celebration, but the dire weather seriously curtailed the planned outdoor events and activities. However, and with much thanks to the Sports Club that loaned some ‘pop up’ gazebos, the Bar and BBQ were still able to operate, and ‘Princess Elsa’ the children’s entertainer with her assistants from Paw Patrol, namely ‘Chase’ and ‘Sky’ meant that the youngsters although now indoors in the Community Centre were thoroughly entertained, particularly when ‘Princess Elsa’ started up her snow foam machine. But the adults were not forgotten, and Shannon, a last-minute replacement for the booked vocalist, was absolutely superb. Everyone had nothing but praise for Shannon who at only 22 years of age performed like a seasoned professional. We must once again thank the Parish Council for their kind sponsorship of the event.
The accompanying picture shows the tables all laid out on Saturday 22nd July awaiting the arrival of our more senior citizens to enjoy a plethora of fine sandwiches and cakes for the 2023 Afternoon Tea event. Funded by the Community Association but with kind and most welcomed sponsorship from well known villager Hazel Turner and also the Parish Council.
Aside from the food and beverages the attendees were entertained by vocalist Shannon who provided a variety of suitably themed classic songs.
On the afternoon of Saturday 9th December we welcomed our biggest ever attendance of some 56 residents who joined us for our 3 course Xmas lunch, along with complimentary sparkling Prosecco and a choice of wines.
The tables looked magnificent with their red bows and central feather decorations. Reverend John Waller gave a blessing and led a prayer before the first course was served, and Les was there to entertain us with songs and laughter before all had their coffees or teas, with mince pies and some port if you so wished.
Once again Clifford and Pauline did a fantastic job of cooking the turkey and Geoff our chef in the kitchen organised everything to perfection.
Our band of volunteers provided a level of service that would put a lot of establishments to shame, and we again must acknowledge the kind donations to help fund this event from the local Gardening Club and the Stoke Hammond Parish Council.
On Saturday 15th June, we had to hastily add some extra place settings as more than expected senior members of our Community turned up for our Afternoon Tea event. But all was good and everyone enjoyed the food and drink delights on offer. There is no charge to attend this function put on by the Community Association and we must thank the Stoke Hammond Parish Council for their valued finacial contribution.
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