IT WAS a seasonably mild afternoon for the Bude U3A Christmas tea on Thursday, December 15, so luckily there were no icy roads or snow drifts to keep over 60 enthusiastic members away from the Falcon Hotel and the very festively decorated Efford Room.

After a warm welcome from new chairman, Lynn Biggs, crackers were soon being pulled and dreadful jokes shared.

The Bakery had, once again, made a magnificent cake for the tea, and very kindly donated another smaller one for the raffle, which raised a splendid total of over £80.

Members were invited to admire the very pretty U3A party themed decorations on the large cake before it was cut, and the cake took centre stage.

The Bude U3A were pleased to welcome Russ Colledge, formerly of Launceston U3A Photography group, who had volunteered, or perhaps been volunteered, to take the photographs for the group’s records, of which thanks have been extended to him.

Sandwiches and baby mince pies with clotted cream were brought out by teams of energetic staff, together with tea and the Christmas cake, which was followed by entertainment by the Torridge U3A Ukulele All Stars.

Their leader, Richard — a most accomplished musician and compere — had encouraged Patricia Reid to continue her efforts with the ukulele when the fledging Bude group had originally failed to take off.

She was glad to welcome his band back from over the county border, and they kindly invited the new Bude ukulele group to join in with three of the easier numbers.

The programme was very varied and great fun, ranging from Fats Waller to The Mavericks via many pop and pub karaoke classics, and the audience joined in with gusto.

Not everyone was all that sorry that Richard had forgotten to bring his kazoo — however, he more than made up for it with a lovely nostalgic instrumental duet on As Time Goes By. The performance was brought to a close with a rousing chorus of White Christmas.

Rosie Bowden thanked the band on behalf of the group for a very jolly afternoon’s music; good wishes were exchanged for the coming holiday and everyone left in a thoroughly genial and festive mood.

A coffee morning will be held on January 6 at the Weir, from 10.30am until 12.30pm, where all new members can meet the committee.

The first meeting of the new year will be held at the Parkhouse Centre on January 19, when Christopher Hytch will give a talk on reincarnation.

Any interested visitors are welcome.

If any member feels inspired to have a go at the ukulele, get in touch with the group leader, Marie King, whose number is on the website.

For more information about Bude U3A, contact Ann Tizzard on 01409 253 749 or visit www.budeu3a.co.uk.