The Summer Lunch returned to Ernest Morris’s home in Chesham Bois this year on Sunday 5th July

On the Saturday afternoon we erected the gazebos. There were only 4 of us this year, with Rose Edwards joining Colin Thomas, Lloyd Jones and David Powell to do the preparation.

Ernest’s garden was looking lovely with a large well-kept lawn to spread out on.

It was quite warm and we had difficulty preventing Ernest from doing the heavy lifting, but we managed to complete the task and get all the tables and chairs out before 6pm.

We then hoped that a stray wind wouldn’t blow them all down, as the catering tent needed quite a few running repairs.

Ann Tenant’s team arrived early on Sunday morning to prepare the food and dress the tables, and by 12:30 all was ready for the guests to arrive.

The weather was just right, warm with some clouds and a slight breeze.

This was a chance to catch up with old friends and quite a few new members too, and some people started reading the newsletters that were distributed among the tables.

Fewer people had signed up this year, with only 4 tables being needed, and by 1pm we were getting worried as not everyone had arrived yet, but as food was served, the remainder arrived – all apart from poor Jayne Pegler who had the day wrong!

Ann Evans welcomed everyone and thanked Ernest for the use of his garden, Kay Day for arranging the catering and the gazebo team for their hard work.

The food was lovely as usual, with ham, salmon, chicken and different salads. A wide range of desserts were on offer and it being Ann Tenant’s team – there were lots available to go back for seconds!

We have had the gazebo that we use as the catering tent for probably 15 years, but it was showing its age today, with one leg none too straight! Still, it had served us well for many years.

As the afternoon progressed, the clouds disappeared and the temperature started to rise, causing some on the sunnier side of the gazebo to transfer to the shadier spots of the garden.

Soon Ann was thanking everyone for coming and she presented Ernest with a bottle of wine as thanks for his hospitality.

As the tables were cleared we had quite a few volunteers to help put away the tables, chairs and gazebos as the temperature continued to rise.

Another successful Summer Lunch – thanks to all those who made it such an enjoyable day.