From the moment the invites were delivered, to the moment
the last resident left the hall, we were overwhelmed with the response and
warmth. When we arrived on Saturday afternoon (having set-up the hall the
evening before), there were already eager faces nearly an hour early. Assuring
people they wouldn’t miss out, we sent them home again while we finished our
preparations.
At the 2:30pm start time, we opened the door and it
was all on. We welcomed the guests with a karakia and waiata led by Natasha. Refreshments were served as people chatted
and made their way to the tables, set with Christmas crackers, fancy
serviettes, board games and packs of cards. The laughter and conversations were
soon flowing.
As meal-time drew closer, the games wound up and
the anticipation built. The kai was blessed by Hauraki, then the wonderful FoF
(Friends of the Farm) girls served the meal to the less-mobile, while the able-bodied
served themselves from the buffet table. Christmas carols played in the
background as we tucked into the delicious ham, turkey and chicken, with all
the traditional trimmings of stuffing and gravy, peas and corn, washed down
with a non-alcoholic punch. It all quickly disappeared! The incredibly efficient kitchen team ensured
that the food was hot and plentiful, whilst still others delivered platters to
residents that were unable to join us in the hall, making a total of 29 meals.
After a brief respite, dessert was served;
wonderful Christmas cake, banana cake, apple pie, fruit salad, custard; so much
food! And yet, so little left over! The original idea that we could send people
home with food was quickly forgotten as it became clear that everyone had enjoyed
their dinner. Early this week a resident rang one of our team members to thank
us for our ‘excellent food’.
After a generous round of applause from the
residents, we re-affirmed our plan to organize another springtime visit to the
Farm, which was received enthusiastically.
People drifted away to their homes, many of them thanking the Friends of
the Farm crew and promising to see them at the next event. It’s been the talk
of their village all week.
Personally, I was overwhelmed by the response and I
know this meal will be a huge turning-point in the connection between the
Friends of the Farm and the Bridge Court Residents. The enthusiasm with which
our team was received has ensured that Friends of the Farm will be more than
willing to host another Bridge Court Mid-Winter Christmas Dinner.
SO MANY THANKS TO: The Mad Butcher for the turkey,
Brandys' Roasts for roast potatoes, Paul at Bridge Fruit n Veg and Sweet Things
Bakery for a large apple pie. Special thanks to Sharryn for the Christmas Cake,
and so grateful to all the team; Carol-Anne, Dawn, Meredith, Natasha,
Nicollette, Ellery and to anyone we might have missed.
Denise Balmain
(Big thanks also to Denise, who devoted lots of
time and energy to making this event happen and who makes everyone feel so welcome!- Justine)
