Thursday 13 December saw the Annual Brian Lewis House Christmas Lunch when as many as were available make the short journey to one of the local restaurants to partake of good-quality but modestly-priced Christmas fare. We all met up at the house for a pre-meal chatter (see below), the cementing of old friendships, and the mandatory (short) speeches.

Chair of Trustees, Jim Heywood, kicked off proceeding with thanks to everyone for the continuing support they gave to Brian Lewis House, adding special thanks to Chaowadee for the fine table of snacks and drinks to ignite our appetite for lunch. Jim then gave the writer of this report embarrassingly fulsome thanks for my work in supporting the house’s IT system over the years – I’m stepping down to hand over to a younger brain. Jim presented me with a couple of decidedly over-generous gifts from the staff, Trustees and residents. I’m still a bit overwhelmed and can’t express my thanks adequately to all concerned.

Residents also spoke up to express their thanks to the Trustees and staff. They were words coming straight from the heart, and they spoke volumes for the aura of happiness and peace that runs throughout the house.

Finally, off to the Cuttlefish Restaurant in St Clements (above) where we all enjoyed a splendid meal with wine and coffee – altogether a most enjoyable and satisfying way to spend time with friends.