With the ladies arriving with their chaperons, they were treated to aperitifs before dinner. W Bro Terry Hockley provided all the familiar background Christmas and popular songs on the piano. The prayer before dinner was given by Father Tom Page, with the words “Benedictus benedicat per Jesum Christum Dominum nostrum”, and added “God bless this bunch, as we munch our lunch” to much appreciation from the diners.

The ladies were then treated to the traditional Christmas Fayre, with a Brocolli and Stilton soup, followed by Turkey and all the trimmings, and the Christmas Pudding was served in full glow of burning brandy, with the banqueting hall lights extinguished to give the full effect, and the pudding was greeted with the diners singing “Good King Wenceslas”.

As usual the hall was festively decorated with a Christmas tree to give a full festive flavour to the luncheon. With luncheon finished, there was a presentation to Dougie Edwards, who was retiring after serving at the diners at Chingford Masonic Hall for nine years, and on behalf of the Chingford Masonic Social Group, was presented with a bottle of Scotch, followed by another presentation by the Secretary of the Centre W Bro Allan de Luca, who thanked Dougie for his services to the centre and wished him a long and happy retirement.    Dougie had also provided the centre with all the flower displays that adorn the tables both at Festive Boards and other functions. W Bro Bob Urch involved everyone with the traditional song of the “12 days of Christmas” to much laughter as each table tried to keep up with their part of the song.

There was a visit from Father Christmas (a.k.a. W Bro Ted Page) equipped with his bell and helpers, W Bro David Hook and W Bro Brian James who assisted with presenting all the ladies with a Christmas present.

The Gentlemen and committee members sang “We wish you a Merry Christmas” to the ladies, after which the President of the CAMSG, W Bro Bill Gunary addressed the luncheon, welcoming the ladies to the fifth Broken Column Christmas Luncheon, and that both he and Shirley always look forward to coming each year, adding that its popularity had grown and he was delighted to see all the ladies attending, and it was a joy to have you all here and that you are not forgotten.   The APGM also thanked the committee for all their hard work during the year, thanked everyone for attending, and concluded by wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year.