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Wednesday, December 30

Y is for Yule.


 December has certainly been a busy time for the village. We were encouraged to apply for council funding to help with the purchase of some christmas lights and a tree. Whilst we have lived in the village for 25 years I have never known of  a village christmas tree. For a few years there was one at the local pub but this hasn't been the case for the past few years.

The town council received some funds specifically for Christmas decorations - we were the only village without any form of Christmas display and as other communities had been given funding in the past we were optimistic our application would be approved - which it was. The town council supplied the tree and lights and the borough council provided funding for the icicle lights and electrician's fees. All work had to be super approved etc. so we were really pleased with the results. There was a lot of decisions to be made, organising etc. The choice of light colours and style fell on my shoulders but I knew it had to reflect the traditional village idyll - I think it did.

The lights were installed and on November 28th were switched on at our Christmas Coffee morning.
Another first for the village - a visit from Father Christmas. My friend Karen and I organised this event which was a success bringing funds for the Village Hall.

No sooner had we tidied away from the event, it was time to celebrate yet another first. The village hall Christmas meal. As I have shared here in previous months, I have been involved with village hall activities as I am now back on the committee. These events whilst raising funds have really brought the community together. All our events have been supported by the village. People attend and or supply prizes and baking ingredients. We decided to cook a meal for the residents of the village - a traditional Christmas dinner and for those who couldn't attend - a meal would be delivered.

We had a wonderful day - December 9th Karen and I cooked for 30, 12 delivered. Another neighbour provided entertainment so we had a sing song after the meal and a bingo session. It was a great success - we'll do it again in 2016.

Another first - with some of the proceeds from our fund raising events we paid for children under 12 to go to a pantomime. Parents paid a reduced ticket price - partly subsidised by the funds  and we paid for the transport.

Not long after this I fell ill with the dreaded Christmas cold - which I could deal with, the dreadful chesty cough was another matter. It left me feeling really drained and with no energy for any Christmas preparations. Fortunately it was just Jon and I on Christmas Day so I didn't have the pressure of cooking for 8 people.




I bought a small turkey crown and piece of pork - it kept us going for 3 days! I prepared the vegetables knowing I had sufficient again for subsequent meals. Whilst I enjoyed our Christmas dinner during the period of my cold I lost my appetiti but found salmon sandwiches were a godsend and happily tucked into them on several occasions.


Our new member of the family remember?



I think it's safe to say she has had an enjoyable Christmas - certainly better than what was on the cards if we hadn't taken her in.





Bing and Sadie have had an enjoyable time too - 



Their daily adventures on the beach ensure they sleep well!



2016 approaches - a lot to look forward to...........
 Watch this space.

Y for Yule (ABC Wednesday)

13 comments:

  1. It certainly sounds like you've had a busy December. Wishing you all the very best for 2016.

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  2. Happy New Year to you and yours xxxxx

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  3. A Very Happy New Year to you Denise! Keep up the good work, with time for a breather here and there? Get well soon.

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  4. Lovely photo's... you are a busy person ... wish you all the best and lots of fun with all your doings

    Have a nice ABC-day / ABC-week
    ♫ M e l o d y ♫ (abc-w-team)

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  5. You, my friend, are a human dynamo!
    What would your Village do with out you?
    Glad you are feeling better from your horrible cold and cough...it's a pain at Christmas time.
    Mine is finally leaving too.
    May the New Year bring you more joy and peace.
    Sue

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  6. Was just thinking that we were quite near you for Christmas. And then I saw your comment on my blog. Glad to see your little village got Christmas decorations and that everything was a success. Hope you are feeling a lot better now.
    Happy New Year.

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  7. yule,
    the entertainment is cool.

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  8. What a wonderful post today. Your village sounds fun and the tree is beautiful.
    Love the Christmas photos of your furry friends. Have you named the new kitty yet ?

    cheers, parsnip and thehamish

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  9. 'Yule' be feeling better now, I hope! You certainly are a community minded person, doing so much to help bring everyone together ~ with light, music, food, humour and a great attitude. Happy New Year and be well!

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  10. You really have been busy! How wonderful to have such a supportive community to share special events with. I'm hoping to return to England next summer and will be staying with Jill - hopefully, we'll be able to have another visit with you while I'm there! Would love to meet Bing and Sadie and the new puss. Stay tuned, Denise!

    Leslie
    abcw team

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  11. Villages and small towns are wonderful places at Christmas, - so much friendship and involvement in the community. Sorry about your cold, - I seem to be harbouring one for New Years, -

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  12. Glad you're feeling better. The tree looks gorgeous. Wishing you a very Happy 2016.

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  13. you are very active in your community. Good for you!

    ROG, ABCW

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Thank you for your comments, always nice to know somebody has taken the time to let me know what they think.