To get everyone in RBBG, (well, as many as possible), into the festive spirit, Pat F organized an early Christmas dinner, on Wednesday, November 30th. Of course, it proved to be a complete success, as Chris P reports:

  Arriving a little later than everyone else, I found that the first trick was to get into the Wheelwrights Restaurant, at Chatham Dockyard. Once I had gained the help of a delivery man, I came in through the tradesman's entrance. I found the rest of the Christmas merrymakers duly gathered.
 
  A very solid, homemade vegetable soup or very nice prawn cocktail was followed by roast beef or turkey, a very large quantity of excellent roast potatoes, with piles of fresh vegetables - including the dreaded brussell sprouts (which those who like them said were excellent). Christmas pud or chocolate log, followed by coffee or tea rounded off what was a very nice meal. The staff took great care of us and we all left in a very happy mood. The photos (will) tell the rest of the tale.

  I have concluded that the jokes and gifts in crackers are getting worse as you get older or is it just getting older that makes you think like this?