Shortly before Christmas, members and friends of the club visited Picton Castle for their Victorian Christmas Celebration.

Greeted by the Castle Trust director, Mr. Dai Evans, in the Great Hall, they were treated to mince pies, mulled wine and hot spiced apple juice beside a huge open fire.

The tour began in the library, moving on through the small drawing room - where everyone said they would love to stay, curled up with a book and taking tea - the inner hall, and the tapestry hall, into the dining room where the table was laid for Christmas lunch. Members were quite reluctant to leave here as the table looked magnificent with the beautiful china, glassware and floral decorations. The last room visited was the drawing room with an enormous Christmas tree.

In each of the rooms visited, Mr. Evans explained the reasons behind the choice of decoration, and the symbolism of the items used. Fresh greenery made into swags was in evidence everywhere, and ribbons and fruits were also used. A 'kissing bough' of greenery, candles and apples was a great favourite and one on the list for Christmas 2015.

Back in the Great Hall, Mr. Evans was warmly thanked by chairman Jan, who said, she knew that she spoke for everyone in saying that it had been a really magical hour.

Before leaving, a delicious lunch was enjoyed in Maria's, the courtyard restaurant.

Members are now looking forward to their new year's lunch at Waves, Celtic Haven, Lydstep, before starting their monthly meetings in February.

The club meets on the third Monday of the month, at 2 pm in New Hedges Village Hall. New members are always welcome.