Into the early hours

So New Year’s Eve, and where did we plan to go, no difficulty in guessing – we went to the  Dolphin, our village pub. Some people talk about going to the pub for a particular occasion, as “only going to the pub”… Only? Only?? ONLY???  I can’t think of anywhere I would rather be to see in the New Year, than a good pub, especially if the pub is the Dolphin.

We drifted down with our tickets (ticket only event on New Year’s Eve) with the promise of a buffet, Prosecco and entertainment. Ir was already busy as we went in, and along beside the first bar was a table groaning with the buffet and a tray of champagne glasses with Prosecco bubbling away ready for us. We greeted various friends and acquaintances and because it was quite busy, found seats by the door. We were sitting at what was known as George’s table – he was an elderly chap who used to come in every day about lunch time, smartly dressed with a tie , neatly pressed white shirt and metal armbands or sleeve garters as they are also called. George departed to that great bar in the sky many years ago, but is still fondly remembered.

There was the sound of music from the other bar, but goodness knows what was being played, it was distinctly out of tune and not very festive. However, it was soon replaced by canned music, no doubt waiting for the entertainment to start. I decided to wander down the other end and see any friends who were in,  There were people dancing to the juke box and generally milling around in a jovial way, among them the AmDrams, our friends from the Bleadon Players, the local amateur dramatic group – a fine bunch. So where was the entertainment? She had departed apparently.

Nothing daunted the AmDrams rallied and before long there was a brilliant karaoke in full swing! We left George’s table to others and we returned to the other bar and danced, and sang, and had a few more drinks, and danced more, and altogether had a marvellous time! Who would want to be anywhere else on New Year’s Eve?! The witching hour approached but as there was a torrent of rain issuing from the heavens, we didn’t, as we usually did, go outside into the road and sing Auld Lang’s Syne, instead there was a big and rowdy countdown to the turn of the year. Big Ben struck and then there were hugs and kisses and embraces and good wishes, and we carried on dancing into the early hours.

Huge thanks to the landlords, Naomi and Luke, their stalwart staff, the techie AmDram who fixed stuff so we could dance, the friends and regulars and people we’d never met before at the welcoming of 2024, and roll on another great year ahead!! Happy New Year all!! xxx