Everest Hall, Knighton - Jean's 80th Birthday Party

Well we are back from our little trip to Wales!  It was a lovely weekend, not a strenuous drive (although Kevin did the drive, so I'm kinda speaking on his behalf and he may disagree with me!)  It took about 4 and a half hours to get there.  Knighton is on the border of Shropshire and Wales and we first went to the Knighton Hotel to check in.

See how neatly Ewan packed his things in the 'cupboard' and set out his Woody and Scottish Piper Teddy on his pillow

Faye was all sorted, after she commandeered the window sill next to her bed - everything all set out.

Once we'd booked Kevin, Hayzel and the kids into the Knighton hotel, we walked round to Jean and then later, we left in convoy to go to Barbara's house.

Some more pictures from Hayzel's camera:

This is the walk way through from the Knighton to where Jean's house is, alongside the river. The last time I walked through here it was thick with snow!

The Town Crier's house is up the road where all those flower boxes are

Knighton looking up the road towards the Clock tower

Knighton looking down the road towards the hotel (on the right)

Outside Barbara and Les's bungalow in Knucklas (just round the corner from Knighton)

Jean, Emily, Hannah and some of the kiddies in Barbara's conservatory

We all descend on Jean's house!

L to R  Hannah, Les, Hayzel, Jean and Barbara

Ewan, Faye, Honey and Bella

Bella - what a little doll she is!

My two Aunties - Jean and Barbara

A little later on Jean and I went back to her place to get into our ball gowns; Hayzel, Kevin and the kids went back into Knighton to spruce up ready for the do, that was scheduled to start at 7pm.

All the tables set out and ready for the 60+ guests

Some of the plates of Canapes that were handed out by our waitresses whilst we elegantly slurpe... er sipped Champagne

The stage all decked out by the ladies.

Inside the kitchen, preparing the food

 I forgot to take a photo of the pile of Champagne bottles on the other side of the reception area (opposite this arrangement). 

I don't know where I put those birthday cards!

 A bevy of beauties hey?  Left is Emily, then Abi, Hannah and little Bella.  The girls are Hannah's daughters.

The Meyers arrive

 Congratulations to the ladies in the kitchen for the fabulous food, it was all delicious and plenty of it! The puddings were divine.

L to R  Judith, Mark, Kevin and Hayzel

Get in the line!   

The assembled guests munchin' on some grindage.

The Birthday Girl

Missy

 The kiddies played so nicely together. Ewan is completely besotted with Abigail, I think.  He kept coming up to me, brushing my hair aside and whispering in my ear ... 'Can Abi come and visit us, Nana?' ... then 'Can Abi come and visit us and eat Chocolate Cake, Nana?'

I've been told to say a few words about Jean ...

Graham Trew one of Jean's dear friends about to launch into Jean's tribute speech! 













Graham is no slouch in the classical music department, he's an accomplished Tenor, having performed all over the world, recorded many CD's - he sang in Cape Town Cathedral when Desmond Tutu was made Archbishop. He is Chairman of the Association of English Singers and Speakers and President of the Knighton Concert Society. He was appointed a Member of the Royal Victorian Order in 2002. Oh and he sang for the Queen for about 27 years ... so if anyone is qualified to sing a little toon for Jean, he is.

Scuse video, I had consumed almost a full bottle of white by the time I did this.

 

Graham is also conductor (amongst many other duties and responsbilities) for the Knighton Choir and he got them all up on the stage a bit later on, to do an impromptu performance and to sing Happy Birthday to You.
Kevin filmed this, so I hope he can post it up here at some point in the future.    

All in all it was a lovely evening, I'm sure everyone enjoyed themselves.  Only downside for Hayzel, Kevin etc. was that there was a bloody Disco at the Knighton Hotel and they didn't actually get much sleep.  I've sent the Knighton Hotel an email complaining about that.

Barbara

Graham organising the choir

That Soprano in the front doesn't seem to be concentrating on the conductor

Ewan was very impressed when Graham started singing for Jean.    The kids were so good, it was such a pleasure having them there.

Yum - I only just managed to get a quick pic of the cake before the cooks started chopping it  up for the guests. 

Bella and Faye

 Faye, Bella and Abi played so nicely!

At the end of the evening after the remaining plebs did a whizz around cleaning up.  Doesn't she look pleased and happy!