THE annual Christmas party for senior citizens in the local area, organised by the Rotary Clubs of Crediton, was held on December 15 and saw 100 local pensioners from the town, Bow, Copplestone, Shobrooke, Newton St Cyres and Sandford attend.

Guests was greeted with a glass of sherry or fruit juice and crackers and chocolates were on each table.

The lunch was delicious roast turkey with all the trimmings followed by Christmas pudding or trifles and tea or coffee.

The Town Band played Christmas carols and music. After lunch there was time for chat before bingo with Alan Tonkin as the caller - a job he has performed for 28 years.

There were many prizes and the winner of game five, a full house, was Betty Chudley, who received a large Christmas hamper donated by Hillbrow Residential Care Home.

The oldest lady at 97 was Violet Seldon and Geoffrey May, from Newton St Cyres, was 98. Both received gifts presented by Richard Carey, who was one of the organisers of the party.

Richard thanked Carol Webb, head chef for the event, for all her help in the kitchen and to her many willing helpers, and he presented her with a bouquet of flowers.

Several of the Rotarians children and grandchildren worked hard as well, waiting on tables and helping whenever they could.

Finally Rotarian Mike Beskeen thanked everyone for both attending and those who helped to make the event such a success.

Margaret Phillips thanked him on behalf of everyone for a wonderful afternoon.

I personally would also like to say a big thank you to the Rotarians for all their hard work, to put on such a most enjoyable event - a great start to Christmas.

Margaret Tucker