The day after we received some sad but not unexpected news. Pat Blanc,a friend and member of our congregation, had died peacefully in the night. He had had a long and tiring illness during which he was faithfully cared for by his wife, Sylvia. The funeral mass was held in our chapel and many friends came to say a last farewell.

Christmas day came two days later and many of our regular congregation were able to come. We all shared an aperitive afterwards and 16 of us shared a christmas meal afterwards. Everybody contributed to this and it proved to be a happy occasion. Cécile and I much appreciated the invitation for the next day to the home of our friend Ruby Stamp who cooked a superb meal for us and other friends.

Our final event was the carols by candlelight. It was a relaxed and informal occasion , singing favourite carols interspersed with readings of poetry and finishing with St. John's gospel. After that we tucked into mince pies and mulled wine.