Just Good Friends Christmas Lunch

PUBLISHED 24 November 2023

Following on from a hugely successful Games Night fundraiser, the AKS group Bring Me sunshine welcomed 90 members of Just Good Friends for a Christmas party. The afternoon started with Dev on the grand piano and he was on his usual brilliant form, crackers were pulled then it was straight into pass-the-parcel where Dev was in his pomp. Alex, accompanied by Mr Waterhouse, gave us 3 songs including a stunning piece from the new school musical ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ if the rest of the show is as good as this then I have no doubt of its success. Afternoon teas were then served and a time to chat with old and new friends alike. Indeed, there was just under 20 new visitors to the school. Our first event was for just 25 and held in the Pavilion so it’s heartening to see how the numbers have grown so quickly. Prize bingo followed and tension grew as it was a 90 ball card. Hugo then delivered a magnificent ‘Name That Tune’ live with his saxophone and I will pick out Baker Street as being noteworthy and the only one I got straight away. No afternoon is complete without ‘Play Your Cards Right’ and some fond farewells until next time. 

There are a number of thank yous to give for those I haven’t mentioned, Priyanka for her superb work leading Bring Me Sunshine and providing 20 helpers from Year 7-12. The catering department for providing fabulous afternoon teas, and yes the cream scones passed the fiercest of scrutiny. A special mention must also go to my colleagues, Tracey and Vicky from the prep-school and Helen, School Matron, who have attended every fundraiser and helped out at every afternoon event.  

Just Good Friends is a local charity that aims to combat loneliness and isolation in the community and has been going for nearly 12 years led by Bev Sykes and her team of volunteers, including Julie Rodgers and  Joanne Campbell. I know how much effort they put into the logistics of organising 90 members to our largest ever gathering and they also continue to have meetings and events throughout the week. 

Graeme McIntyre