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CLUB NEWS
“OUR WAY” by Raelene Tan
A BRITISH CHRISTMAS “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose…” The popular Christmas song composed by Torme and Wells in 1946 seems to epitomise the Yuletide winter season. In Britain, the Sunday closest to Saint Andrew’s Day (30 November) is known as Stir-Up Sunday, when families gather to stir the Christmas-pudding mixture, in order of seniority, while making secret wishes. The pudding matures nicely before being steamed and carried to the table on Christmas Day in a blaze of fire from brandy-sauce. In London, people throng the West End to appreciate street-decorations in the weeks prior to 25 December. Near Trafalgar Square’s majestic ‘live’ Christmas tree, crowds gather to sing Christmas carols nightly, while pre-Christmas concerts are hugely popular at Royal Albert Hall. Christmas trees, Yule-logs, candles, holly, ivy and mistletoe decorate homes. Kissing under the mistletoe is not to be missed! Greeting-cards are sent and gaily-wrapped gifts prepared for family and friends who gather to share the festive mood. Children queue to meet Father Christmas, or Santa Claus, in large departmental stores throughout the country. Sitting on the benign gentleman’s lap is a highlight, sharing their thoughts with him. There’s so much more, like attending the Festival of Nine Lessons in the Chapel of King’s College, Cambridge, wassailing with apple-cider for good health, enjoying traditional festive fare and much-anticipated pantomimes. To end as we began, “Although it’s been said many times, many ways, a very Merry Christmas to you.”
Tribute to Malcolm Skipp
The British Club would like to offer its condolences to the family of the late Mr. John Malcolm Robert Skipp, who passed away peacefully on Sunday, 30 October 2016. Mr. Skipp joined the Club in April 1999 and had served on the Club’s Development and Health & Safety Committee for 12 years since 2004. Our thoughts are with Mrs. Skipp Hung Yee and her family during this period of bereavement.
THE BRITISH CLUB