ARRINGTON CHRISTMAS PARTY - December 2007
The fourth annual Arrington Christmas Party was held at the Hardwicke Arms Hotel on the 20^th December. Despite it being a freezing cold evening, about ninety people braced themselves against the chill, and came along to help raise funds for St Nicholas Church, Arrington.

It was wonderful to see so many people, not just from Arrington, but also from Longstowe, Duxford, Croydon, Orwell, Bourne… There was a real community spirit, and thank you all so much for coming and making it a wonderful evening and a great success. Those that came in for a quiet meal got something of a surprise, but gallantly joined in the festivities!

In the function room there was a deathly hush while Mick got the serious bingo underway, with the odd eruption as someone shouted “House!”, and meanwhile the bar got busier and louder as old friends and new piled in for mulled wine (beautifully served, Jackie and Nick!) to warm their cockles!

Many thanks to Irene Gooch who provided a “Very Fishy” quiz which kept everyone guessing throughout the evening whilst they tried to understand some of the most cryptic clues seen this side of the Times crossword. (An example – “Coloured one may mislead?”. Answer “Red Herring”. Clever stuff!) Irene also kindly provided the answers, and a box of chocolates to the winner.

As always, everyone proved to be very generous donating raffle prizes and buying raffle tickets, and congratulations to all of you who won a prize (or in some cases, 2 or 3 prizes!) You know who you are! (Derek, what is happening with the donkey, by the way?!). A huge thanks must go to everyone who donated prizes as follows (in no particular order!):

The Potton Brewing Company - Polypin of Shannon IPA
Madingley Mulch - £50 Voucher
Jane Harvey - Framed Limited Edition Print
Fieldgate Nurseries - Sumptuous Fruit Basket
Coggy’s Gardening Services - Lawn Mowing
Stilton Butchers - Horseshoe of Gammon
Brenda Wittey - Framed picture of the Hardwicke Arms
HMK Supplies - 2 Bottles of Wine
R Bisset - Home-made Truffles (a moment on the lips….)
Holdsworth - Chocolate Biscuits
Mystery guest - Wine and Smellies (thanks – whoever you are!)

The total raised for the church was in the region of £365.00, and this amount will be added to the restoration fund. There is a collection tin on the bar at the Hardwicke Arms, so please do keep dropping in your loose change (or even the odd note!) for this great cause at the heart of our village.

Thanks to all of you who worked so hard to make the event a success, and to everyone who came and supported us once again.