Rotary Senior Citizens Christmas Party 2011
Government House was filled with merriment and joyous spirits when Partners-in-service and Rotarians hosted 105 guests from nine (9) homes across the island, under the auspices of His Excellency The Governor General and Mrs. Belgrave at the annual RCOB Christmas Tea Party. This signature Rotary event began in the 1975 as an initiative of Sir Winston Scott and Lady Scott, with the primary objective of bringing Christmas cheer to residents of Nursing homes, through music and fellowship.
It has now become one of the enduring festive traditions of the club, and is anticipated not only by Rotarians and partners as an opportunity for tangible “Service above Self”, but also by the elderly individuals and their caregivers who attend and enjoy the first sounds and tastes of the Christmas Season.
During the festive event RCOB seeks in a small way to pay tribute and recognise the hard work, sacrifice and service of our seniors, which in no small measure has laid the bedrock for Barbados as a country and the way of life cherished by all Barbadians.
Ably supported by the staff of Government House, who work quietly behind the scenes each and every year to make sure this event comes off smoothly, Rotarians and Partners prepared and executed the afternoon’s proceedings.
Sister Margarita Marshall, who has been the event’s head liner since 1980 had the seniors clapping, singing and dancing with her renditions of popular Gospel and Christmas songs, including a special request made by His Excellency of “A little more oil in my lamp”. She was ably supported by the Gospel Comforters and Stephen Etswick’s Choir. All the artistes look forward to participating in the event and bringing their singular brand of Christmas cheer to the special guests.
The sumptuous tea included savouries, pastries, cakes and sandwiches, and was followed by the traditional glass of sherry, after which seniors received their Christmas gifts. After personal greetings and handshakes for some with the Governor General, were assisted back on to their buses for their journeys’ home, accompanied by food packages for those unable to attend due to infirmity or illness.