It’s taken me some time to enter the inner circle of UpARA (Upchurch Active Retirement Association), but I managed it this Friday ( 11/12/15). The day was titled Christmas Spectacular, I had little idea what to expect. Perhaps some afternoon tea and a nice chat with the retired lay at the back of my mind. Wow how wrong I was thinking that. A two course meal, magic show, and dancing, but I am jumping ahead. To go back to the beginning, it all started in the afternoon at 2pm with a carol concert by the Holywell school choir. They were really very, very good, our village youngsters are something to be proud of, there must have been about forty in all, singing some old favourites and some lovely new carols. Their teachers must have worked tirelessly to have achieved such a high standard with the choir. This was followed by an explanation of a “Christmas Carol” by Malcolm Groves a club member. Did you know a carol was originally a pagan dance, no, well neither did I. As expected this was followed with a lovely cup of tea biscuits and cake, all provided free by the club. Expecting that this was the afternoon finished I collected my coat, I underestimated these retired folk. Next up was the Upchurch Choral Society. All I can say is, if you get a chance this festive season to hear them sing don’t miss out, I’m glad I stayed, as Bryan Veale performed the memorable “If I was a rich man” from” Fiddler on the Roof”, I thought for a moment I was back in London’s West End with Topol it was that good, Marion Whentringham also sang “O Holy Night” as a lovely solo. The choir finished with a sing-a-long with all joining in. It was then that I realised this was but the prelude to even more. I had my ticket for the evening and rushed home to change and return at 6:45pm sharp as I was told.
 |
UpARA members and guests enjoying this years Christmas Party. |
I doubted that the retired could better the afternoon, but I underestimated once again. I was met at the door by members of the committee, shown the table plan and given a glass of wine, not a bad start once again. While waiting for dinner to arrive our own Upchurch magic man (Masks & Magic) entertained us with table illusions that baffled all. My dinner arrived piping hot, a succulent chicken breast cooked in a tomato and sherry sauce garnished with a large prawn, minted new potatoes three coloured baby carrots (all English) and sweetcorn. Our very own magic man then entertained us further with a stage magic show. My meal finished with a fruit cheese cake and lashings of double cream. I had earlier told my other half I would be home about 9:30pm, after all this was the retired and I expected then to be heading home for a hot chocolate by then. Once again I was wrong, so very wrong.
It was now music and dance time, with Jeff Pedley our Upchurch troubadour as entertainment. He in turn was supported by the Pedletts a group of singers from the club membership. Two songs performed the group prepared to leave but the merry audience called for more and two further numbers were performed. The evening continued till almost 11pm with dancing and singing. It would be an understatement to say everyone had a good time (including me) and I was late home, but for £10.00 a head these retired UpARA lot know how to do it.
I look forward to next year!
By Spoof Scoop
Upchurch’s only Investigative Journalist
space
