Everyone at The Vale is looking forward to Christmas, a time to spend with friends, old and new, as well as family.
Part of the fun is the build-up and there is certainly plenty going on here. The ‘Valees’ will get together on 6 December for a Christmas party in the Bar & Bistro. They will be joined by relatives and friends. If previous years are anything to go by, the food will be delicious, the drink will flow and the singing of Yuletide hits will get ever louder.
The Vale community is still in its relative infancy but some traditions have already been established and feel as if they have been with us for years. One of these is the Christmas carol and songs session, led by Father Steffan Mathias and Father Ben Vertannes from St Peter’s, Streatham.
Carols are sung respectfully, but heartily, and the more popular, Christmas songs with great gusto. Last year’s ‘Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer’ was given a rousing rendition by those who attended but the availability of mince pies washed down with a warming ‘something’ might have contributed to the volume. This year, we look forward to welcoming our old friends as well as some new guests.
Things take a more calming turn on 15 December when our flowering arranging group meets. They will draw on what is available at this time of year – fresh and dried flowers, fruits, pine cones plus a dash of ingenuity to create a table centre or small arrangement to decorate their own apartment or to give as a gift to others.
May we wish everyone a happy, healthy, Christmas and all the best for 2025.