Happiness reigned.  The only groans coming in response to the Scribe’s Christmas cracker jokes which interspersed the evening’s short presentations on a Christmas theme.

Bro George Parrott introduced us to a number of old wives tales, customs, and traditions associated with Christmas. He ended with a comic version of the Twelve Days of Christmas with the turkey eked out into less appetising concoctions as each day passed.

Bro Keith Kaye examined the careers of the Three Kings.  Not those kings, but three kings of pantomime, who travelled not to Bethlehem, but to Bradford before venturing further.

They were John Hart, Francis Laidler, and Nick Thomas.  Nick Thomas MBE now lives locally and has produced over 750 pantomimes known for their spectacular sets.

Still on a pantomime theme, the Prior Maureen Bell with the help of Michelle and Bro Frederick Stephens enacted a unique pantomime, with props, on the theme of a scam telephone call.  Audience participation of a resounding “Oh no it isn’t” was regularly called for.

Judy Wilson’s gave two recitations.  The first was an atmospheric episode from “Cider with Rosie” by Laurie Lee of a group of carol singers at a farm when “2000 Christmases became real to us then”. The second was the story of a grumpy inn keeper awoken several times during the night only to have his heart warmed by the arrival of a baby.  Sound familiar?

The evening concluded with a challenging seasonal quiz from Michelle Stephens and her helper elves, followed by mince pies, drinks and a chat.