The Circle Of Friends Christmas

Circle of friends member Joyce shows off her gift. Joyce and Murray (below) live in Aylmer.

Murray gives the 'thumbs up' as Joan takes a picture.

Hazel (left) lives in Glencoe and Barb (right) lives here in London

Joan's husband Peter and Hazel's husband Tom.

Wendy models her blue hat for Trisha and Greg. Greg lives in Lambeth.

Joan and Peter came in from Thorndale.

Barb hams it up. Her husband Barry (right) and Hazel (far left)

Pat circulates the draw tickets.

Pat, talks with Trisha, right

Kitchens are always popular places with the guys. Here's Peter, Murray and Barry.

Ron is Pat's better half . They are tonight's hosts in their brand new home. Here's to the Circle of Friends!

Wendy has known Patricia longer than any other of her friends. They grew up together, attending the same school for all their childhood years. Some years later Trisha worked for the London Life Insurance Company based here in London. (I’ll refer to Patricia as Trisha because there is another lady in the group named Pat) Within the last couple of decades, seven of these “ex-Lifers” have gotten together on a regular basis, usually rotating the dinner parties amongst the ladies homes or a restaurant. The group is un-officially named “the Circle of Friends”.

Fifteen years or so ago they asked Wendy; even though she had never worked at London Life, to join their group. That makes eight ladies in the group. On special occasions the ‘men’ are allowed to participate. This year, for Christmas, the location chosen was the brand new home of Pat and Ron. They have a beautiful new townhouse, with access to the centrally located retirement centre next door. We made use of one of the lovely, large, special events areas within the central complex for our Christmas dinner. Two of the members, Mary-Helen and Anne could not make it but ‘a good time was had by all that attended’.