The Stratford Singers sang carols and Christmas themed songs to diners at the Balcony Restaurant at the Stratford Club on Saturday night as they enjoyed a Mid Winter Christmas dinner and dance.
Mulled wine greeted the guests on arrival before they took their seats at the restaurant which had transformed itself into a winter wonderland for the evening.
As diners enjoyed the Christmas fare prepared by chef Peter Meikle and his team, they were rudely interrupted by an urgent phone call. Chef Peter answered and told those listening, "there's some old bloke on the phone asking where our chimney is". The mystery caller demanded that all present hold hands and sing, before, with a loud bell heralding his arrival, Father Christmas himself came to visit.
The jolly man in red then handed out gifts to all, insisting that everyone, young or old, took their place on his knee before he handed them their parcel. Ably assisted by two pink fairies, he made short work of the stack of present by the tree before heading back to his reindeer. The dance part of the evening came with music from the popular K2 and the Power Band.
For photos of the night, see our photopage in our print edition on page 8.