Kirkley Hall Christmas Dinner 2010

We were looking forward to the planned Northern Counties Christmas Dinner at Kirkley Hall just near Ponteland.  It was advertised as a formal three course meal and we had dug out our evening finery to wear. As we left work on the Friday, it was cold and the weather was frosty.  Apparently quite a few vans had cancelled as they were unable to make it due to the bad weather.

Friday evening, we met in the hall which was the college six form pupils common room.  it was warm and cosy and everyone took their drinks and snacks over for a chat.  The next morning however was a shock.  we woke up to about six inches of snow and ice over all the motor homes.

We were fortunate as it tested our fully winterised Adria Coral Supreme motor home.  But other members who believed they had bought fully winterised Auto Trail vans had frozen water and no heating.  Some members could not even get out of their vans as the snow had dripped over their door handles and huge icicles covered their exit.

There are members who are not fully mobile on crutches and in wheelchairs.  So the more able bodied wrapped up warm and started clearing the paths so we could all safely get into the hall for the evening meal and party. Some ventured out for brisk walks around the zoo animals and farm enclosures.

Later the fun began.  First it was a message sent round that there was a power cut due to the weather bringing down power lines.  But that didn't deter us and many of us gathered again in the common room dressed in our finery waiting for our meal.  Torches and candles were sought as people gathered to wait out the power cut which lasted a few hours.  Then the news came that the Christmas meal could not be served as the ovens were electric and the meat was still not done.  We went back to the van and put on our comfortable clothes and returned with more wine.  We didn't have much food in the van as we were expecting a large meal and were wondering what to do.  Others had the same dilemma.  We were just about to all head back and try and rustle up a faith supper to share when one bright spark found a Chinese takeaway open and phoned in an order on his credit card.  a local taxi firm was sent to collect and deliver.

It was one of the best Christmas meals we have ever had.  Everyone rallying around to help each other.  Plenty of drinks were shared that night and new friendships made.  Its certainly one Christmas party we will remember.