Twice a Year the 'Rich and Famous' of Pattaya Sports Club, supported by the most glamorous Ladies at any function Worldwide, gather to have a fun and fine night. This one being the Christmas gathering we even had Santa to give away the prizes and also to give each child in the Choir a personal Xmas present.

Much hard work goes into the planning of an event like this, and Mike Gerrard was busy for weeks before planning the evening and the advertising. However it is always nice to see a good plan come together and on the night the overwhelming comments were 'What a great Night'.

The evening started as normal with a big queue at the door at the Banquet hall in The Town in Town Hotel, we tend to use this venue as it is central for most people, but more important it has tremendous facilities and the staff look after us well. Once the door was open the rush was on for the best seats and the place filled up quickly. All tickets were sold.  It was really nice to note that all the party goers were very smartly dressed and the Ladies were sparkling. We do have a very lucky bunch of distinguished Gentlemen. Soon  The Emcee Mike Gerrard was doing his bit and leading the entertainment for the night, Mike is a 'Professional' from the U.K. and we are lucky to have such experience at the helm. At least that is what he told me to say.

The night got underway with the Barn Jang Jai Orphanage giving us all a recital as only they can, then off they all went to the changing room where Santa Claus awaited them and for each of them He had a Christmas present, as Santa tends to. The kids were absolutely enthralled and for a while we were able to put the noise of the party to one side, but the Devil must.

So, back to the main room where it was time for the President, Herbie Ishinaga, to talk to the assembled, and then those magic words from the Emcee, 'The Buffet is Open'. Then standing out of the way while the stampede got under way. What a fine food layout it was, spread around the pool there was just about everything one could wish for, even for the 'Vegetarians'.

There was all, from Seafood, to steaks, to Thai food, of course my favourite had the longest queue, yes the sweet queue.  Meal nearly over it was back to the Cabaret, starting with the Emcee doing his songs and then onto the star of the night, yes the 'Real!! Tina Turner'. Well even if not real this was the show that brought the house down. The dance floor was packed and 'Tina' was urged to do encores, and of course 'Tina' did. Cracking Cabaret and all were by now electrified and wide awake for the big star event.  Sorry for the let down but it was The lucky Draw.

Mike called up Doug Powell and Nan for the Draw, and just by chance Santa put in a special appearance. The prizes were many and varied, but a flat screen television and a gold chain were topping the list. The draw always goes down well and so it did on this night. It was an excellent draw well run and organised.

I must here give thanks to those who worked so hard to make the night a success. Obviously that Legend in his own Mind, our Social Chairman and Emcee Mike Gerrard, Max 'The Sec' Mathews and  Tony 'Vice' Oakes for their help on door control. To Doug and Nan Powell for the Lucky Draw help and Derek Brook for photography, write up and P.R. To all the press for simply being there and to our Sponsors of The Lucky Draw, Black Star Jewelers, Ryder Gems (Bangkok), Shenanigans, The Golf Club, John Mills Photography, The Town in Town Hotel, St Andrews Golf Centre, San Miguel, also thanks to The Staff and management of Town in Town, the band and special Cabaret Tina Turner. To those forgotten thanks anyway and apologies.

The night then degenerated into those things that men and women like to do at night, yes, dancing for the ladies and drinking for the men. A great night and to all have a great Xmas and a Happy New Year. T.T.F.N.