This was Sarah’s first organisation for the Solo Fleet’s Social Programme and we think she did a pretty good job of it! She and Robert had a few discussions beforehand so that the general programme was as in previous years but with a few innovations.
The Club staff laid on an excellent spread for us and we occupied two tables in a spacious area fenced of from the general membership. There were no other parties with us this year so we had very good attention from the waitresses and we were the only people making the noise! Very good crackers with unusual jokes and gifts.
 

Robert, as one of the turkey carvers, had rather a unwelcome surprise  - it was a whole turkey with bones! - unlike other years when we have had rolled breasts which were very easy to carve. Anyhow, he made a very good job of it but we were all getting a bit worried as the breast seemed to running out and there were still more people to be served. We need not have worried; two more dishes of turkey with accompaniments were produced!
All cleared away and there was respite from eating with the arrival of - Santa Claus - no false beards here - and Wendy. Everyone had been invited to bring a present for the opposite sex and these had all gone into Santa’s bag to be personally distributed. Santa seemed to enjoy himself and opening the presents caused a certain amount of hilarity - see pictures. Nobody owned up to presenting the knickers but was it possible, or likely, that a prospective mayoral candidate could stoop to this form of humour?

Santa and Wendy then joined us for the HC puds etc., but first, as it was very warm and with Wendy’s help, and a few giggles, Santa stripped; obviously he had studied the art!
Wendy did not offer a proper demonstration of her present whereas Roy was quite unabashed!

Then we came to the games. Some were similar, but Sarah introduced a new version of Kim’s game. Having remembered all the articles one then took the first letter of each of the objects and used them solve an anagram.. Sarah gave a clue, but only one team got anything like halfway there. The answer was in fact - ‘The Class Captain’s Daughter’ - and nothing whatever to do with her present and ongoing interesting condition. (It was being generally considered that this is probably the first time that there has been a pregnant sailor in the Solo Fleet).
Sarah read out the game winners, but confessed to there being no prizes.
Clarissa collected our monies and opened the doors onto the balcony to let out some heat, and everyone took the hint and went home after a really good party