Dannevirke Lions host 150 elderly to Christmas lunch and entertainment

A crowd of more than 150 mostly seated at round tables enjoyed the company of friends at the Dannevirke Lions-hosted Christmas lunch.

The Dannevirke Sports Club was chock-full of elderly people who were invited for the annual Dannevirke Lions Christmas lunch.

Running for 40 years, the luncheon held last Sunday was originally located at Makirikiri Marae but has well outgrown that venue.

Guests were welcomed by Dannevirke Lions Club president John Forbes and Deputy Mayor Erana-Peeti-Webber.

Hannah-Mae Pilkington singing a selection of songs she called A Blast from the Past.

They were entertained by local singer Hannah-Mae Pilkington singing several older songs which the elderly guests could relate to.

Benson Te Huki put his heart into Te Kakano.

Origin Studios also entertained, with Ava and Benson Te Huki singing a song from Annie, and music from Wonka and Les Miserables, which will feature in their upcoming show on December 7-8.

The Harmony Sisters sang "O Come All Ye Faithful".

The entertainment continued with the Harmony Sisters singing four numbers and Hannah singing another two songs from her vast repertoire.

Dessert was delicious – the perfect follow-up for ham and vegetables.

Everyone was keen to win a prize in the auction run by Lion Terry Hynes.

Lions member Terry Hynes conducted his annual auction after lunch, assisted by Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick as time-keeper and Erana as prize distributer.

One of Father Christmas' elves made a special fuss of Wairarapa MP Mike Butterick, to Deputy Mayor Erana Peeti-Webber’s amusement.

Lion Judy Thirkell cut the Christmas cakes made by Barbara Ferguson.

The afternoon concluded with the crowd singing Christmas carols and guests were invited to take home posies as a memento of the day.

Dannevirke Lions will be out on December 7 assisting with the Property Brokers-sponsored Christmas Parade which starts at noon.

Float entries need to be registered at the Dannevirke Information Centre.