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CHAIRMAN’S REFLECTIONS

To finish off a year that seems to have flown by, we are now rushing at an increasing pace towards Christmas, and waistbands are expanding under the influence of an overload of Christmas meals!

I find greeting people at Christmas, whether verbally or via a card, very difficult. I am acutely aware that whilst some people look forward eagerly to all the celebrations, others would rather that it was all over. This isn’t just “ bah humbug”, but a reflection of their personal circumstances and feelings. However, I think that what we all ought to recognise and be grateful for, is that any greeting, no matter how inappropriate we might consider the wording to be, is a genuine expression of friendship and best wishes for our wellbeing. So, on behalf of myself and the Committee, we send all our members the Season’s Greetings, and a wish that the New Year brings Peace and Health.

If you have a ticket, and are coming to our Christmas Meeting, please be aware that parking on the road is not very safe, and we do not have access to the Towngate Inn site. This means that the only parking available is in the free car park between the Coronation Hall and Towngate, and space is limited. It will be possible to “double park” behind the cars of the Committee or helpers, but please make sure that you know who the car belongs to – we don’t want any nastiness! It would be a good idea to come on foot, or to share transport. The doors open at 9.30 as usual, for tea/coffee and chat, but the programme will start a little earlier than usual, at 10.15

Best wishes,

Garth

Chairman

JESSIE’S MORNING OF MUSIC In December 2015 Jessie began making a list of music she wanted to hear on 14th December 2016 when the monthly meeting of the Listening to Music Group would coincide with her 90th birthday.

What a party we have had this morning and what a task Terry Noble had when given the list to arrange the morning’s programme. It contained music from Schostakovitch, a Bach Toccata and Fuge, the film music Cornish Rhaposdy and ended with a Brass Band’s rendition of a Christmas medley. During a short interval

we enjoyed birthday cake (right) made by Liz Noble together with a glass of wine. Jessie left promising to have an even longer list ready for her 100th birthday but …. will it coincide with

a Music Group meeting?!

The Deepings Third Age Group Reg. Charity No: 1166782

NEWSLETTER Visit our U3A Deepings Web site

Issue No. 161 DECEMBER 2016

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS Joan Phillips, Liz Hutchinson, Cherylle and Derek Parson Deeping St James, Joyce and Tony Fisher Maxey, Brenda Hurl Market Deeping, and welcome back to Ann Coleman and Barbie Miller Deeping St James.

Committee Members 2016/2017

Garth Perry Chairman Ann Parkes Secretary Anne Burton Treasurer Liz Noble Membership Secretary Susan Hoadley Groups Coordinator Phil Jones Deputy Gps Co-ordinator Lyall Seale Speaker Finder Ann Holmes Newsletter Editor Lynn White Newsletter Distribution and Gift Aid Admin. David Scott Contact through Website Webmaster

Programme of Speakers

19 December CHRISTMAS MEETING with entertainment by our own Accordion and Singing Groups, supported as usual by Jo and Phil Astall and Terry Noble. Mince pies and wine will be served during the interval. AT THE CORONATION HALL, Halfleet, Market Deeping. ENTRY TO THIS MEETING IS BY TICKET ONLY……….please don’t forget yours!

2017 16 January ONCE UPON TIME ** by Martin Lander AT THE METHODIST CHURCH. 20 February BEING A BUTLER BY George Waugh AT THE METHODIST CHURCH Unless otherwise stated, doors open at 9.30 am at all monthly meetings. To enable us to set out chairs, etc., please do not arrive before this time. Coffee served until 10.20 and meetings begin at 10.30 am. ** Not nursery rhymes, but Martin Lander presents some reflections on the history and observation of time past and present.

Garth and the

Committee wish

all our members a

Happy Christmas.

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GROUP NEWS Unfortunately the following report was omitted from the November Newsletter:

U3A HISTORY GROUP – OCTOBER MEETING My apologies to Maggie Griffiths for the lateness of this report but gremlins have been at work on my computer! Maggie gave our group food for thought when she presented ‘Memories of School days’ in October. She was assisted by David who was the man in charge of the machine! The talk was illustrated with photographs of olden days at school! It made us think about how attitudes have changed and how primitive our school buildings were. Outside toilets, resulting in competitions for the boys to see how far up the wall they could wee!! Milk that tasted great in the Winter but sour in the Summer. Socks drying on the classroom stove, books with very few illustrations and very little colour. The school nurse, nits and nit combs all brought back memories of our days at school. Some memories are best left at the school gate but on the whole, we thought we had a pretty good time!! (Some of the time). Thank you Margaret. We will hopefully see everyone at the dinner in December. Report: SANDRA JONES Group Leaders: SANDRA JONES / ELIZABETH PARKINSON U3A JAZZ, SWING AND BIG BAND GROUP

'20 Shades of Blue - my programme for today Alas, the early morning was 20 Shades of Grey! Then the machine, (surprise,surprise) decided not to play So I got a bigger hammer- it worked!'

The programme began with the Beat Farmers playing 'Blue Chevroletthen’ Cal Yjader gave us 'Afro Blue'. 'Alice Blue Gown' from the Big Band Miscellany 78's took us to Rita Coolidge and 'Am I Blue'. You can see the theme here. Ted Heath played 'Amethyst,' and 'Baby Blue' was played by Acker Bilk with Stan Tracy's Brass. 'Basin St. Blues' was Humphrey Littleton from 'Jazz at the Royal Festival Hall’, followed by Conniff Meets Butterfield for 'Beyond The Blue Horizon'. The Hi-Lo's sang 'The Birth of the Blues' . 'Blue and Sentimental' was played by Michel Legrand. 'Bluesette' played by Rhoda Scott, 'Blue Monk' 'Blue Skies' 'Chimes Blues' came next and then Vic Damone sang 'In The Blue of Evening'. Harry James and his New Swing Band gave out with 'King Size Blues' and Oscar Peterson played 'Limehouse Blues' followed by Nancy Wilson singing 'Little Girl Blue'. A different version of 'Blue Moon' usually associated with Glen Miller, was played by Ben Webster and the morning ended with Warren Vache' and Bill Charlap playing 'St.Louis Blues’. Then the sun came out! Report: ANNE JONES Group Leaders: PETER BAYLIS / ANNE JONES U3A GARDENING 4 PETALS AND PRODUCE GROUP For our November meeting we met at Kathleen Tanner’s to devise our 2017 programme. We have compiled a full programme comprising talks, visits, a quiz and a competition. Something for everyone, we hope! We also learned that gardening is far more than weeding and planting bulbs to which the photograph of the gazebo, build by one of our members, is testimony.

Our December meeting will be hosted by Eddie Adams who will illustrate a talk about “The Gardens of New Zealand”. For those wishing to attend, please note the later time of 11 a.m. on Tuesday 20th December. Report: JOHN MARSH Photo: ANNE BURTON

Group Leaders: PAM PENDRY / JOHN MARSH

U3A CYCLING GROUP

November’s cycle ride started from Deeping and took the four riders through Peakirk and onto Werrington and north Peterborough. Good weather prevailed over the 15 miles covered, finishing at Northborough for a well-earned lunch. Thanks to Terry for planning the course using the Green Wheel to provide a pleasant traffic-free route.

The next ride is on December 9 when anyone with a roadworthy cycle is welcome to join us.

FRED SKIPPER Group Leader U3A GARDENING ‘OVER THE GARDEN WALL’ GROUP

There are no meetings of our group until January 2017. When we will meet at the Deeping Stage for lunch on 24th January 12pm for 12.30pm. This lunch is being organised by Susan Mollins and Sandra Hudspeth. (Meal choice will be made on the day.) My thanks go to Susan and Sandra for organising this for us.

Programmes will be given out for next year at this lunch for those who have not already received their copy.

Names will be taken for the February meeting to Easton Walled Garden ‘Snowdrops’ on February 21st 2017 at this meeting. Please note change of date to coincide with Snowdrop week.

May I take this opportunity to wish all group members ‘A very Happy Christmas and Healthy New Year.’ MAGGIE

Group Leaders: MARGARET GRIFFITHS / GLENYS NICE U3A “BOOKWORMS” READING GROUP ‘Is it Just me?’ by Miranda Hart

This is an amusing book which reads like a script of one of Miranda Hart's stand up comedy shows. It is a well observed commentary on modern life and draws attention to the embarrassment that can arise from almost any situation.

Supposed to be a guide to Miranda Hart's 18 year old self, it warns her of the absurdities she may encounter 20 years ahead. Fantastic for fans of Miranda Hart.

The next meeting of the Bookworms is at Ann’s home on Monday 19th December at 2.30pm when our next book is ‘The Storyteller’ by Jodi Picoult.

ANN THORNTHWAITE Group Leader U3A WHIST AND OTHER GAMES GROUP

Our first two meetings of the newly-formed Whist group have been very successful and we hope to see as many members as possible at the start of the New Year on Sunday 1st January at the Oddfellows Hall, Church Street from 2 - 4 pm.

This is a good way to pass a couple of hours playing various card games and meeting other members. We plan to meet on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month from January onwards. We look forward to seeing you all.

Group Leaders: CHRIS MUTTON / MAUREEN WHITTLE

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U3A “STROLLER’S” WALKING GROUP

What a lovely late autumn morning greeted us is the car park of the Bertie Arms at Uffington as we ordered lunches before setting off with David and Linda Mann at the helm. It was arguably the most pleasant stroll of the year from a meteorological perspective.

With 17 strollers in tow, we set off alongside the main road before taking the road to Barnack at Copt Hill. Just before the bridge over the River Welland we headed west along woodland tracks towards Stamford. The light conditions were favourable for taking photographs and with some striking autumn hues in evidence many snaps were taken of flora and fauna. The photograph shown shows the silhouttes of several strollers on a grass bank.

This stroll, which was just over four miles in length, involved walking along field tracks, pasture as well as woodland track, but with only a handful of stiles. After crossing the Welland, we continued along the track-bed of the former Stamford East to Wansford railway before returning to the river bridge at Copt Hill then back to the Bertie Arms.

There isn’t a stroll this month but we have organised a stroll on Monday 2 January when Colin Ward will lead a walk in the Maxey Lakes area. The meeting point is Tuckers Nook at about 10:15. Lunch will be at the Golden Pheasant at Etton, but we are unable to order lunches before the walk. Any member of the group wishing to take part should contact Colin a few days before.

May I take this opportunity to wish all strollers a very happy Christmas and many enjoyable strolls in 2017.

BOB DELLER Group Leader U3A CRAFT GROUP 3

We met for the last time this year on Thursday. Two members were missing due to winter weather illness. The group have made these cards to wish all U3A members a Very Happy Christmas. Before we departed for home, we made our way to Lillies, for a light lunch and chat. We meet again on Thursday 5th January.

Season Greetings to everyone.

AUDREY ELLIOTT Group Leader U3A SUNDAY LUNCH GROUP There will be no Sunday Lunch meeting in December. Tony tells me “normal service” will be resumed in the New Year! ANN

U3A THURSDAY GARDENING GROUP

After a very tricky time for so many in our friendly garden group, it was lovely to meet up for our Christmas lunch at Waterside Oasis Restaurant this month where we enjoyed a super Christmas meal in great company.

We were delighted to welcome our new member Kay Parker and her husband Bob and look forward to getting to know them more over the coming year. We did miss some group members who were unable to attend and look forward to being together again with them soon.

We are not meeting in January but will seeking out snowdrops for our February 2nd meeting. Linda Hill will be in touch!

LINDA HILL Group Leader U3A ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES GROUP For our November meeting we hired a DVD from the U3A Resources centre of Henry Sandon talking about and showing Royal Wocester Porcelain. The DVD gave us some of the history of Royal Wocester, the factory’s Museum site, formally know as the Wocester Porcelain Museum, houses the world’s largest collection of that Porcelain dating back to1751 and the Victorian gallery. There were many artists and designers who worked for the factory.

In 1976 due to heavy competition from abroad production was switched to factories in Stoke on Trent and abroad. In 2003 one hundred staff were made redundant, and another hundred went in 2005, staff kept leaving and the last trading date for RoyalWorcester was June 14th 2009. I'm sure we all enjoyed the afternoon as Henry is so very knowledgeable on his porcelain subjects.

Report: IRENE BEEKEN Group Leaders: IRENE BEEKEN / PAM PENDRY U3A “WEEKENDERS” GROUP Ann welcomed 29 members, including two new ones, to our Christmas celebration at the Oddfellows Hall on Saturday 10th December. We had an enjoyable morning with quizzes, competitions and a craft stall and were well fortified with mince pies, stollen, shortbread etc. Thanks were expressed to Ann for providing it all.

Thank you also to Barbara Buckley for organising our Christmas lunch at St. Nicholas House which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. Next meeting will be at the Oddfellows Hall on January 14th

Christmas Greetings to all from the Weekenders

Report: BARBARA MCNICOL Group Leaders; ANN BRADSHAW / BARBARA MCNICOL U3A CRAFT GROUP 2

Thank you to Heather for producing some interesting but very fiddly Christmas tree decorations involving sequins and pins…..there were several unrepeatable words! Looked good in the end although some of us opted out and did another card. Meeting will be at 2pm on 19 December for a planning and chat meeting after the morning’s Christmas meeting.

LIZ NOBLE Group Leader

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U3A THURSDAY WALKING GROUP

For our final walk and lunch of the year, Stuart Wilson led 25 members on a mild

December day on a circular walk from Etton taking in the village of Glinton and proceeding towards the outskirts of Peakirk through the nature reserve and then onto the Maxey Cut embankment before returning via the tunnel to Etton and The Golden Pheasant for a very pleasant lunch. Many thanks to Stuart for leading the walk and organising the lunch.

Today’s walk brings to a conclusion another successful year of walking across many varied locations. The average attendance has been 25 members, so once again many thanks to you all for your kind support throughout the year. You should all have received a copy of the 2017 programme but please let me know if you haven’t. Best wishes to you all for the festive season and we look forward to seeing you again on our next walk as shown below.

For our first walk of 2017 on 12 January, Margaret Griffiths will lead us on one of the many walks around the Ferry Meadows area commencing from The Boathouse, Thorpe Meadows, Peterborough PE3 6GA. If you would like to attend this walk, could you please phone Margaret by the Tuesday preceding the walk, if possible, on 01778 346243 or e-mail margaret@lincmail.co.uk

GODFREY PARKES / DAVID SCOTT U3A FAMILY HISTORY GROUP Best wishes to everyone at this festive time.

The group had catch up time today. As I was not around for the last meeting we took time to go over some research sticking points. More of the 1939 register has been un-redacted so now is the chance to recheck for missing ancestors.

The trial at the GRO of digitised birth and death certificates has now ended. Some of the group had managed to have a look at the site while the trial was running but in most cases not a lot of help was obtained. Thanks to all the members of the group. Most meetings produce some interesting results and help to further our experience of family history. It is a very interesting hobby, made even more interesting when people discuss their findings and provoke thoughts for others.

We finalised our late Christmas lunch, which will be at the Boundary fish restaurant on 9th January at 12.30 followed by dessert and coffee at the Community Centre. We will have some quizzes and games and hope to see as many of the group as possible. If any old/new member would like to come along we would welcome them from about 2pm onward at the centre.

We would be more than pleased to welcome any new members who would like to either start or enhance their family history. I will always try to help and if I do not know the answer I will point you in a direction that may help.

PEG TORRANCE Group Leader U3A SCIENCE GROUP As we had a Christmas lunch early in December, we will not be meeting again this month. Our 2017 programme kicks off with a talk on George and Robert Stephenson, to be given by David Leggett, on Tuesday 17th January, at 2pm. The venue will be, as usual, The Institute, Church Street, Deeping St. James. Group Leaders: GARTH PERRY / DAVID SCOTT

U3A NATURAL HISTORY GROUP

Our November trip took us to The Willdfowl and Wetlands Trust reserve at Welney on a grey, fresh day. Luckily their largest hide overlooking the main scrape and marshes is heated so we were able to enjoy the spectacle of winter wildfowl and waders in the warm! There were large flocks of lapwing, golden plover, starlings and black tailed godwits that took to the air every time a marsh harrier passed through them before settling back down in front of the hide. On the water groups of teal, wigeon and pintail were looking very smart in their fresh, new plumage. Good numbers of whooper swans were on the water, quite a few of which were this

year's cygnets. Most of these swans will have bred in Iceland before returning to Welney for the winter although this year several birds stayed all year at Welney, presumably not fit enough to return to Iceland last spring, and some did successfully breed here. It will be interesting to see if they join the other swans on next year's migration back to Iceland.

Leaving the warm hide behind we ventured further along the reserve and saw stonechat, buzzards with more marsh harrier sightings and waders and ducks feeding in the shallow lagoons. All in all a very good way to spend a few winter hours enjoying this wetland reserve.

Report: JOY LONGMUIR Photos: DAVE PENDRY (Right) PHIL DUNKLEY (Left) Group Leader AUDREY DUNKLEY U3A MONDAY WALKING GROUP Yet again we had a glorious day for our monthly walk; a fresh frosty morning with a little mist and a lot of low sun. We set off from the Cattle Market car park in Stamford and walked up the hill to the Bottle Lodges entrance to Burghley Park. We then crossed through the park which looked at its brilliant best in these weather conditions before following the footpath adjacent to the road to Pilsgate. From there we followed the road round to Barnack Mill before crossing through the estate again, passing by the golf club en route. Over the latter section of the walk we were able to view some of the woodland management that is being carried out by the estate and it is of great credit to them that this lovely walk is well marked and well maintained. Our thanks go to Lynne and Dave Alcorn who organised the walk.

Our “Christmas Lunch” was taken at the Stamford Post (Wetherspoons) – always a popular venue with the drinkers and savers amongst us! This was my last walk as group leader and I would like to thank the group for their support over the last four years. I have now handed the baton to Steve Hanson and I would like to wish him every success in his new role.

CHARLES FERGUSON Group Leader U3A “PACERS” WALKING GROUP

The Pacers walking group arrived at the Waggon and Horses in Langtoft on Wednesday the 7th December for a Christmas lunch.

We were twenty-five in number and the meal was enjoyed by all, the service was very good and the meals nice and hot.

Our next walk is on the 4th January 2017 round Ferry Meadows leaving from The Boathouse, Thorpe Meadows PE3 6GA and is being led by Maggie Griffiths.

LYNN AND STEVE WHITE Group Leaders

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U3A ITALIAN CONVERSATION GROUP

We recently had a wonderful Italian lunch at Il Vicolo in Stamford AND they spoke Italian. We did try very hard and they did understand us. At least they did until we had a couple of glasses of wine.....Then we became embarrassed an almost wished we had gone to Mr Pang's next door!

A lovely time was had by all.

LYNNE ALCORN Group Leader U3A GOOD FOOD GROUP

For the best pre Christmas Lunch, both quality of food and value for money, join the Foodies!

We had our usual more planned lunch in December, and invited partners too. This was most enjoyable, and we had some nibbles, followed by Salmon Mousse and then Tomato and Carrot Soup.

The main course was a Lamb Casserole Nicoise, served with baked potatoes, creamed celeriac and parsnips, and a baked beetroot and cheese dish.

Desserts were Tiramisu and a Lemon Cheesecake. We even managed to squeeze in some cheese and biscuits.

The shared out food costs came to £9 per head, and sparkling wine to start with, and appropriate wines throughout adding another £8 per head. Where else can you get such good value?

Meetings at other times of year are much less extravagant, and members cook one simple dish that fits in with the theme. For example, in January, when we meet on 9th, we are devising low calorie dishes. Enquiries and guests welcome.

KATHLEEN TANNER Group Leader

U3A TEN PIN BOWLING GROUP

We had our Ten Pin Christmas dinner today. Thirteen bowlers sat down to a turkey or beef dinner which was delicious, followed by mince pies and coffee, But before that we had two games of bowls and I cannot believe how we all managed to get such good scores even me, The only sad bit is when you only have one pin left and you have knocked the other nine down. Keep trying.

We wish all the groups a Happy Christmas and a Great New Year.

DAVID LUNN Photo: FRED SKIPPER Group Leader U3A “CHURCH MICE” GROUP

The December visit of Church Mice was to the Holy Trinity church in Orton Longueville.

The church was built in the 13th century in the grounds of the manor of Orton Longueville (now the Orton Park Hotel). The church has been added to since then with parts from other churches including the Chapel of St Botolphs. In the church there is a wall painting of St Christopher, the patron saint of travellers, probably put there for the pilgrims travelling to Peterborough. There is a fine side chapel with hatchments and memorials to the owners of the manor. Also in the church there is an effigy of a cross-legged knight, thought to be John de Longueville, founder of the church. Outside there is a ha-ha, one of the few in churchyards in the country. (If you don't know what that is, visit the church, or look it up in a dictionary!!)

The excellent talk on the church was followed by an equally excellent tea, the remains of which were taken home by the happy visitors! Report: HENRY ROBERTS Photo: LYALL SEALE

Group Leaders: LYALL SEALE / JIM PRINGLE

Thank you to all Group Leaders/Members who so regularly send me the reports and photographs of your activities for the Newsletter. From comments I receive I can tell you that together we have built up a publication we can all be proud of.

Special thanks go to a very good fr iend of us all who regular ly sorts out my ‘technology’ problems when equipment fails to function properly during “Newsletter week”. I won’t embarrass him by naming him but many of us know who he is. ANN

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U3A WRITING FOR PLEASURE GROUP

Our December meeting was very enjoyable, as usual, though fewer of us had found the time to write anything. After the meeting we had our ‘bring and share’ Christmas lunch with a selection of interesting main course dishes followed by trifle, lemon syllabub and a cheeseboard. We always do ourselves well at the Christmas lunch!

This year has seen me follow in Keith’s footsteps by having a book published, ‘Cooking for large numbers - a practical guide to doing your own catering’. This book has taken me twelve years to write and draws on thirty years’ experience in catering, both in a professional and voluntary capacity. There are more details on the website: www.cookingforlargenumbers.com and on Amazon where it can be bought for £14.50 + £2.80 p&p. It can also be bought direct from me at a reduced price!

JUDY ROBINSON Group Leader U3A WEDNESDAY GARDENING GROUP This month we had our annual Christmas lunch at Waterside Garden centre. A lovely meal was served in the new function area and was enjoyed by us all. Our thanks go to Pam for organising this . Our first meeting in January is on the 11th and its at Angie's to finalise the calendar for the year and to bring us back to thinking about gardening a quiz. Time of meeting 10 o'clock. Report: AVRIL WILLIS Group Leaders: JEAN FOSTER / ANGELA DORWARD KEEPING WARM

Put on lots of layers, they say, To keep the icy winds at bay. So, ever one to head advice, I’ll have that sorted in a trice. First a vest, they’re warm it’s true … To heck with one, I’ll wear a few. Next a blouse and then a sweater, … The temperature is getting better. This woolly hat’s a boon, no doubt ‘Twill stop the heat from getting out. Long Johns next, for I’m not dumb They stop the rear from going numb Mufflered neck and mittened hand, This insulation’s really grand. With fluffy socks and furry boots I’m thermalized from branch to roots. A polar fleece to top the lot. And then they say go for a trot to keep The blood a-flowing round, But ‘ere I take a leap or bound I hit a snag! Tho’ zero rated, I feel as though I’m armour plated, And sorely need a friendly nudge For now I’m wrapped ...I cannot BUDGE !!

U3A “WANDERERS” WALKING GROUP

10am on December the 13th saw14 intrepid souls gather in the car park of the Ruddy Duck to pre-order lunch and boot up for the Wanderers' last excursion of 2016. Ably led by Stuart and Barbara Wilson the walk took us along the misty paths and tracks towards the village of Etton. Having had a brief stop to consume mince pies and port the group continued southwards toward Glinton and from there, via part of the Green Wheel, back down to Peakirk and a most welcome lunch.

Our next walk is on Tuesday the 10th of January 2017 and will again be fairly local although, as yet, the exact route has not been finalised. Details by email as per usual. Many thanks to those Wanderers who have volunteered to lead a walk next year, however we still need some more offers.

Wishing everybody happy wanderings in 2017.

BARRY AND HILARY AKAM Group Leaders

A CHRISTMAS STORY FOR ANY ONE HAVING A BAD DAY

When four of Santa’s elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the pre-Christmas pressure. Then Mrs Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more.

When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about of give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out heaven knows where. Then he began to load his sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered. Frustrated, Santa went into the house for a cup of Apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drunk all the cider and hidden the rum. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider jug and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom. Just then the door bell rang and irritated Santa marched to the door, yanked it open and there stood a little Fairy with a great big Christmas tree. The Fairy said v ery cheerfully “Merry Christmas, Santa, isn’t this a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you, where would you like me to stick it?” And so began the tradition of the little fairy on top of the Christmas tree …...

My grateful thanks to Irene Beeken who provided the last two items at short notice and

turned out on a cold and ‘murky ‘ morning to bring them to me. I couldn’t tell how many

layers she was wearing but she was well wrapped up! Happy Christmas! ANN