That was really good fun.

After a communion service in which you could hear a pin drop, we settled down to an excellent lunch.

The annual CAMEO lunch is always good fun but I think everyone exceeded themselves this year. First of all the church looked wonderful with all the tables laid out and decorated, with crackers and chocolates.  St John’s really lends itself to these occasions.    We had 23 guests and 16 helpers of various kinds and 5 special guests.  What totally delicious turkey, roast potatoes, vegetables and mince pies.  Just the best – really worthy of a good restaurant.

Then the entertainment led by Itchen Abbas Primary School choir singing a variety of songs was delightful and enjoyed by all – thank you so much to them and their teachers for joining us.  There is something very special about the youngest in our community entertaining the oldest.  And we even had a young lady on a Duke of Edinburgh Award project kindly helping us and engaging with our guests.  Father Christmas ended proceedings by delivering presents to everyone.

Lorna spoke for us all in thanking all the cooks and helpers for making it such a special occasion for our senior residents which they really do love attending.  It would be so wonderful if we could encourage more of our residents over 65 to attend – if you know someone who is over 65 and does not currently attend CAMEO – please encourage them to contact Lavinia Owen and sign up for the new year.  There is no charge at all for the lunches and, although we do hold a brief communion service at the beginning, all are welcome whether or not you would regard yourself as a Christian.

So thank you so much Sally, Charlotte, Sue, Jill, Gail, Joan, Rebecca, Nick, Felicity, Rosie, Gerry, Emily, Lucy, Bella and Helena.  And most of all thank you to Lavinia for bringing it all together – just amazing!  CAMEO is a bright light of neighbourly love at a time which can be rather gloomy and lonely for many.

Revd Alex Pease