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Everyone arrived, we tried to stager the arrival times, then we all had dinner and some had drinks in the bar. We spent the evening unpacking, getting to know each other and for some catching up with old friends.
Everyone had breakfast and then the coach arrived at 11am to take us all to the steam train. We are visiting the Dean Forest Railway where Santa came and visited everyone on the train and gave them a gift along with warm mince pies. Then we had lunch in the station cafe. Later some went for the midnight carol service at the Baptist church.
Today we had a carol service and communion in the basement room of the hotel. We then got dressed up for our Christmas day lunch at 1.30pm. There was the traditional turkey or a vegetarian choice of sea bass on the menu. During the afternoon Father Christmas arrived on a buggy coming through the golf course, he had a big sack of presents on his buggy for us. Everyone had a gift from him.
A group of 13 went to the pantomime "Sleeping Beauty" in Hereford. The rest of the group had a normal boxing day of walks, talking, board games, knitting, crafting etc. Later on we watched the film Polar Express.
We woke up to thick snow ! Today some were going home and some were arriving for the start of their holiday (with some staying on longer). A few decided to walk down to Coleford but the snow was so thick that most of us stayed to make marzipan fruit, colouring, painting, chatting and playing games etc.
A group travelled to Taurus Crafts for lunch today. The rest of the group went to see the pantomime "Sleeping Beauty". The pantomime group had a great time and also enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea.
Today a group opted to go shopping to a large store in Ross on Wye. There was also a chance to do some shopping in Coleford along with a walk around Mallard Lake. In the evening after our meal we enjoyed listening to two singers and were dancing till late, some into the early hours!
Two groups went out on a Forest Tour and they saw 4 wild boar. The walking group were out for 2 hours and had lots of fun in the mud and Christine was pushed through the mud in her wheelchair. In the hotel we had visitors of the reptile variety! There was a chance for those who wanted to to hold some of the reptiles and snakes.
Some of the group went to the Church of the Good Shepherd of Broadwell. In the afternoon there was a chance for a pamper session as those who had requested it had their nails, hair and make up done for them. As it was New Year's eve we would all be dressing up for our evening meal. We also had some entertainment with a comedian, singer and a disco. We saw in the New Year and danced till late.
A few needed a lie in today and were brought breakfast in bed. Lunch was in the day room and brought by the restaurant staff. Everyone was helped to pack. In the evening we had a magician then a few people had drinks in the bar. The others retired early to their rooms and some watched TV there.
Our last day and time for everyone to make their way back home.
