Booked for an earlier date than in previous years, and therefore not coinciding with the Winter Solstice, or indeed the peak of the Geminid meteor shower, December 6th was the only agreeable date for those wishing to attend.

John L and Richard  - desserts polished off.  Image - Keith Deason. 

The venue was again the Hare and Hounds - Hawsker, with eight WDAS members making it along for the evening, arriving shortly before 8pm. 

John McCue and selection of Xmas cards. Image - Keith Deason

After being directed to our table, the customary ritual of handing out tokens of festive greetings ensued - alleviating pressure on Royal Mail as a small avalanche of Christmas cards criss-crossed the table. 

Saul and Jill. Image - Keith Deason 

Christmas crackers were pulled; jokes, puzzles, and paper hats, told, solved and donned, before the arrival of starters. Soon dispatched, conversations waxed and waned before main courses appeared, everyone eyeing up the choices others had made, all looked delicious. Aside from a few veggies, empty plates were gathered up.

Polar bear and Snowman - aka Mark and Lee. Image - Keith Deason.

More discussions followed, plans made and expectations explored, before desserts and puddings. At this juncture glasses were raised for fellow member Victor, who had sadly recently passed away and was a stalwart of society Christmas meal get-togethers. Victor always had the cheese selection to end his meal.

"Smile please". Here's to 2026!  Image - John Lamb

Finally, having eventually addressed the bill, we donned our coats, thanked the staff and emerged outside under a starry sky... and an impromptu celestial object spotting exercise. Both Saturn and Jupiter were visible, a bright, post full Moon, Orion and company, Vega and Deneb, Castor and Pollux, even a meteor was spotted (not by Mark). What do expect from amateur astronomers! Festive goodbyes bid we departed home, satisfied.  It won't seem like two minutes before we'll look to do it all over again! Cheers!