Christmas Day - Mary Payne - Last Page

Our fax machine was bombarded by a number of very complimentary notes from Gerardus Van Der Vorst, an avid fan residing on Guaraja island off the coast of Brazil! It is quite thrilling to play a request for someone living that far away and a few minutes later, receiving a return thank-you note!

The highlight of the afternoon must have been our community singing. (Others may well disagree.) Especially for the occasion, I had written a new verse for 'London, My Hometown', which went as follows:

Take me back to Walton Pier
To tread those good ole planks!
I miss long chats with anoraks,
I even miss the cranks.
I'll see the ship, I'll hear Big Lil,
The moment I touch down.
London, London, that's our home town.

As Di and Mandie were choir members, the standard of singing should have been excellent. Unfortunately, when Chris played the PAMS song for us to accompany it, I was the only one with cans, enabling me to hear when we were supposed to come in! Everyone else had to attempt to follow my lead, which I'm afraid did not work too well. Chris felt it incumbent upon himself to apologise afterwards on behalf of Radio London management!

By the time my three hours of glory were up, I was exhausted, but on cloud nine.

After signing off with Big Lil, we enjoyed an impressive festive dinner and opened a few Christmas stockings. Gifts included a cuddly walrus named Iyam and two killer whales called John and Scott Orca. We also had a fishnet full of silly games, puzzles, toys and noisy balloons – perfect for a party of adults.

(Left - Even superstars have to do the washing up! Assisted by Charlie.)

By this time, everyone was feeling pretty shattered and ready to head for home.

Could Christmas Day have been any better for a soggy fairy? I doubt it.