Christmas Gatherings

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30316, 17 December 1963, Page 2

Christmas Gatherings

Canterbury Women’s Club. —A varied programme was enjoyed by a large gathering of Canterbury Women’s Club members at their annual Christmas party. Mrs L P. Bennett (president) welcomed members. The Christmas cake was cut by a senior member, and carols were sung. Artists who provided the entertainment were Mrs Lois McDonald (violin* accompanied by Mrs Patricia Gibson; Mt Barrie Prebble (pianist); Messrs Robert Allison and Jack E Mason (duets and solos* accompanied by Mrs J. E. Mason; and the club’s drama group, led by Mrs L G. Ireland.

Langford House Residents. —Residents of Langford House were entertained at a Christmas party held by the Langford House Comforts Committee. A concert was presented by the Hillsborough - Heathcote Country Women’s Institute. Mr R. Stillwell, dressed as Father Christmas, distributed gifts to residents, and the matron (Miss K. Wells) and her staff. Mrs J. Steinmetz, the vicepresident, welcomed guests, who included the deputy-

Mayor (Mr H. P. Smith) and Mrs Smith; the chairman of the Christchurch Aged Peoples’ Welfare Council (Dr. H, R. Donald) and Mrs Donald; Mr R. M. Macfarlane and Mrs Macfarlane. Miss M. B. Howard, Miss E. Smith, J.P.; representatives of the Sunnyside Hospital Nurses' club and members of the Langford House Committee.

Senior Citizens.—More than 150 members of the Christchurch Senior Citizens’ Association attended the social club's final social of the year recently. Small gifts were presented to voluntary workers by Father Christmas. A programme of entertainment was arranged by Mrs L. Cox, and “The Merrymakers” band provided music for dancing. The president (Mr E. Moore) thanked the social organiser (Mr H. Gracie) and his committee for their work for association members each fortnight. Adult Cerebral Palsy Society.—The Adult Cerebral Palsy Society held its Christmas party in the Physical Research Hall. Guests were welcomed by Mr T. Griffiths (president) and Mrs C. G. Crawford (secretary). Speci-ally-invited guests included the deputy-mayor <Mr H. P. Smith) and Mrs Smith, Mr and Mrs R. A. Sangster, and Mr H. J. Walker, M.P., and

Mrs Walker. A spray was presented to Mrs Smith, and Mrs T. Griffiths, wife of the president, cut the Christmas cake. Carols were sung and gifts distributed. Guests were entertained by the Tempo Band, and Mr D. Valla nee (magician). Cambrian Society.—Signs carrying a “Nadolig Llawen” (“Happy Christmas”) greeting were displayed at the Christmas party held recently by the Cambrian Society. Mrs Myrna Thomson, the acting president, paid tribute to the president (Mr J. G. Parry), who died recently. Mr Parry had been president for 28 years and an active member of the society since 1914. Members, stood in silence as a mark of respect. A book on New Zealand and a floral arrangement were presented to Mr and Mrs John James, who are shortly to return to Wales to live. They have been connected with the society for about 35 years, and Mrs James was secretary for several years. A letter was received from the Mayor (Mr G. Manning) conveying Christmas and New Year greetings to Welsh residents in Christchurch. A programme of games, films and items was introduced by Mr R. E. Roberts. Father Christmas distributed sweets and ice cream to children, and carols were sung.