It is without a doubt one of the highlights of Christmas!  And I do think of the wonderful cooks who put it all together only to have to do the same thing for their own families within a few days – but CAMEO Christmas makes a huge difference to our older residents – we had over 30 guests and 12 helpers yesterday at St John’s Itchen Abbas.  It was sensational.  For those who find getting one turkey cooked rather a challenge – I suggest that you speak to Nick Owen – two of the largest beasts on the block, I guess – squeezed into the ovens and came out – absolutely perfect!  The roast potatoes – cooked perfectly – the red cabbage – I could go on the juices are starting to run and the fridge is empty…..

Totally delicious – thank you so much to everyone who cooked and contributed in different ways.  Thanks to Lavinia for master minding it all and encouraging all the cooks – you are amazing – you make things happen!  Thank you to Rosie, Joan, Sally, Gilly, Jill, Gail, Liza, Charlotte, Fiona, Emily, Sara, Felicity, Maddy, Oliver and Jack.  Thank you also to Father Christmas (a last minute substitution) – with his detailed grasp of the humorous side of the Parish Council agenda….

Revd Amanda Denniss led the communion service and preached about presents and the amazing gift that God gives us in Jesus Christ – a gift that we need to receive, we don’t just leave under the tree.

And then Itchen Abbas Primary School led by Mrs Aimee Dear came to sing carols to the old residents providing that annual delight of crossing the generations.

What a lot of fun – thank you all so much!