Christmas Parties

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29380, 6 December 1960, Page 2

Christmas Parties

“Honouring Age” Party.— About 60 elderly guests attended an “honouring age” party held by the Christchurch Federated Business and Professional Women’s Club at Lady Wigram Hall on Saturday. They were welcomed by the president (Miss S. Tally) and each was presented during the afternoon with a Christmas gift A programme of entertainment was arranged by Miss F. Edwards, convener of the club’s social services sub-committee, and Mrs Hilda Reeve. It included items by members of the Avon Group, who sang and acted old-time songs, accompanied by Mrs W. Andrews. Transport was provided by the Optimists’ Club. Catholic Women’s League.— Christmas gifts were distributed among members and guests of the Halswell branch of the Catholic Women’s League when the Christmas party was held recently. Short sketches were presented and those present were welcomed by the president (Mrs J. Coakley). Special guests included the chaplain (the Rev. G. Creagh), the diocesan president (Mrs J. Donnelly), the diocesan secretary (Mrs T. Fahey).

Christmas Party For Old Folk. —A Christmas party for elderly folk, held by the board of directors of the Y.W.C.A., was held in the club rooms on Saturday afternoon. Mrs O. Mitchell, the president, welcomed about 40 men and women, who were entertained by Mrs A. M. Smith’s ballet pupils. At afternoon tea each guest was presented with flowers and sweets and Christmas carols were sung. St. Peter’s Mothers’ Union: About 60 elderly parishioners attended a Christmas party held recently by members of the St. Peter’s Mothers’ Union, at Riccarton. The afternoon’s entertainment comprised a programme of community singing of old-time songs and carols, a humorous sketch in mime, humorous recitations by Mrs H. Holmes and the cutting of the Christmas cake by two of the oldest members. The vicar’s wife (Mrs J.

Thomas) presented a gift and a spray of flowers to a member who will leave shortly on a trip to England.

Townswomen’s Guild: Red and white flowers arranged by the garden circle and a Christmas tree decorated by members of the committee lent a festive air to the Christmas party held recently by members of the Somerfield Townswomen’s Guild. The president (Mrs F. Milne) welcomed the special guests, who included the Mayoress (Mrs G. Manning); Mrs C. Ironside, of the Dominion federation; and Mrs A. Thompson, secretary of the Christchurch area federation. The programme included a play, “Smithy,” which had previously been performed at the recent drama festival; songs from the show, “My Fair Lady,” in costume; and carols by candlelight. Mrs Manning cut the Christmas cake.

Royal Commonwealth Society.— The drawing room of Elizabeth House was decorated in warm red colours for the Royal Commonwealth Society Women’s Group Christmas party yesterday. Coloured lanterns, holly, tall red and silver candles, carried out this theme, and a landscape setting was done in white and silver against a background of stars. Entertainment was provided by the following: Mesdames B. Mac Neil and L. C. Spooner (musical skit), accompanied by Mrs A. M. Vile; Mesdames J. Arthur, C. Spooner. P. Gogin, B. Mac Neil, and A. M. Vile (sketch). A competition for personality identification was won by Mrs T. A. Black. The president of the society (Mrs J. H. Powell) presided, and about 40 attended.

Styx W.D.F.F .— The Christmas party of the Styx branch of the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers was held recently. The guest of honour was the Canterbury provincial president of the W.D.F.F. (Mrs J. Blamires). A Christmas tree, floral decorations and a Christmas cake made and presented by the president (Mrs H. J. Quirk) gave a festive atmosphere. Items were presented by the singing circle. Carol Concert.— Residents of Holly Lea, Fendalton road, were entertained recently by Mrs Paul Watts and her group from Kaiapoi with a programme of Christmas carols.

Sumner C.W.l.— Mrs M. Manger presided at the recent Christmas party of the Sumner Country Women's Institute. The West Spreydon Townswomen’s Guild entertained with sketches and Christmas carols. Mrs R. Green played two pianoforte solos.