New Year's Eve Bring and Share Dinner

Who would have thought that a casual conversation at afternoon tea a few weeks ago would have resulted in a wonderful NewYear’s Eve celebration here at the Astra! Informal! Impromptu, no cooking, no fuss, with the deployment of the old tried and trusted catering method of ‘bring a plate and BYO drinks’. The office posted a notice and about ten residents registered their interest.

As time moved on through Christmas, another quick decision fixed a starting time, and another notice was posted with suggestions of food items that might be suitable. In the end it wasn’t ten, but almost twenty happy, enthusiastic revellers who rolled up for the Astra NYE celebrations, mostly residents, but some friends, or perhaps we should say ‘Friends of the Astra.’

There was food aplenty, a banquet surpassing all expectations. There was music; thank you to Cecilia who played piano, and Lore for her Spotify tablet. And to the rousing chorus of voices joining in the singing. There was dancing, with George and Mary leading the charge. There was jovial conversation and the atmosphere throbbed with conviviality and good will.

The 9pm fireworks lit up on the TV, but as everyone was having such a good time, no one was in a hurry to leave, with some stalwarts hanging in to watch the midnight show. It was, we all agreed, an extraordinary night, and a wonderful start to 2020.

Many thanks to everyone for making this an occasion to remember. And thank you to Aaron and Anna who interacted with residents on arrangements and posted our notices. And Anna, the reorganised kitchen cupboards were a real bonus. I hope we left them in good order. May 2020 be a year free of dissension for that grand old lady, The Astra, and its residents.

Written by Cleo Lynch