Community Feast

There are three very small villages which nestle very close together in this part of the Lincolnshire Wolds, you won't find these names on any official map but, for blogging purposes, I call them Little Bunting, Butterbump Splash! and Dovecote Dell.

 A special Community  Christmas Dinner (for older people)  was held at our local pub.     It is a new venture, sponsored by a trades union, and set to be come an annual event.   The surprising thing was that there were 37 diners, approximately half of whom were unknown to me and, even more tellingly,  unknown to our dining companions, both of whom have much deeper roots in the area.

We could do with some more people at our monthly meetings in the village hall, so we need to find out where they hide themselves, see if we can get them to come along.

Upon arrival we were given a drink and then had time to mix and mingle before settling down at our tables.     Surprisingly,  the tables hadn't been pushed together to form the more normal 'U' shape which the tavern normally employs for such events. 

It was very much a straightforward menu, the only choices being turkey with all the trimmings, or a vegetarian option.    I wish I had stuck to doing what I normally do, just opting to have the main course vegetables, it would have been perfectly adequate.   Instead I had the rice stuffed peppers - and the only way I can describe the taste is  what I imagine pine toilet cleaner would taste like, were one foolish enough to try it. 

The company was wonderful.  Husband and I shared a table with 'the Squire's wife', who helps to run a very busy farm, keeps active in community events, and rumour has it that she is a mean croquet player!     We were joined by my dear friend Rachel, who was widowed about 40 years ago, when she was very young.   Despite her loss and grief, she continued to run the family farm and to raise her young family.    Political discussions really see her come to life.   Brexit was mentioned, of course.

I have ordered a pair of non-slip, non-skid granny slippers - bolting the stable door after the horse has bolted, I know, I just don't want to give a repeat performance.     I am heading into Louth this morning, I would say for a quick dash around for some fruit and vegetables, but that won't be possible.    It will be a slow and sensible amble, which is all that the bruising will allow!   That'll teach me.