For over 400 Pattaya Sports Club members and their guests, 12/12/12 will be a date they will remember fondly as they were enjoying themselves at the PSC’s annual Christmas Party, held on this special day.
This year the doors at the Town-in-Town hotel opened at 6.30 p.m. and, as is always the case, there were many waiting well before that time. Former Vice President Bobby Clark, President Tony Oakes, Social Chairman Nigel Cannon and PSC’s very own Santa (Rick Bevington) were primed and ready to welcome all to this popular event.
PSC President Tony Oakes (2nd right) and PSC Golf Chairman Joe Mooneyham (far right) present a cheque to the San Fan Project.
At 7 p.m. some 50 children from the Pattaya Orphanage, both young and old, came into the main room dressed in traditional Christmas costumes ready to sing Christmas carols – in English.
Social Chairman Nigel Cannon welcomed all to this year’s party and the Charity Chairman, William Macey, introduced Khun Toy and the children, reminding all that unlike most of those present, these children had no family to take care of them. The Orphanage is their home and family which the PSC is happy to support. All, both foreigners and Thais, were spellbound for the next 30 minutes as the children sang with joy and happiness. President Tony Oakes then presented Khun Toy with a bouquet in appreciation.
Santa poses for a photo with Margaret.
Tony then went on to formally open the party with the announcement that the grand buffet was now open and the Town-in-Town band would play soft music. As usual, many compliments were received about the quality of the food.
Nigel then said there would be 5 ‘Lewiinski’s Lovelies’ plus Mike Jeffery coming around to sell raffle tickets for the 20 prizes on offer and the final 2 tickets sharing 50% of the cash taken.
It was then time for the cabaret. This year, following his brief set last year when he stood in at the party, Nigel introduced local radio presenter, TV producer and former member of ‘Brotherhood of Man’ Barry Upton, who had just announced his engagement to Wanna that morning. Within a few minutes many were ‘bopping away’ as Barry played and sang everybody’s favourites. After 45 minutes Barry took a well-earned break whilst two presentations were made on behalf of PSC.
The first day of Christmas.
Nigel introduced Margaret Grainger and gave a potted history of her Hand to Hand Foundation and she was surprised and delighted when Santa presented her with a bouquet.
Golf Chairman Joe Mooneyham and President Tony then presented a cheque to Khun Tukta, Manager Sports Promotion of Boonrawd Brewery for her charity, San Fan Project.
Raffle time followed and little Bee Jackson picked out the tickets with Nigel calling the numbers while Tony and Joe presented the prizes aided by Mike Coleman. The last 2 numbers were drawn by Santa and 2 ladies went home very happy with a large cash sum.
Barry and Wanna announce their engagement to the PSC members.
Barry Upton then returned to much applause and had the whole place rocking for the next 45 minutes.
The Town-in-Town band then took over and played until the bewitching hour of midnight with many still dancing the night away. Many took the opportunity to thank PSC for another great night.
Following the party, Social Chairman and chief organiser Nigel Cannon commented, “It (the party) was another great success and I would express my appreciation to Town-in-Town who make the running of an event like this so much easier. I would also like to thank my fellow PSC Executive Committee members for their support, and finally to Barry Upton – a real star!”
A happy 50/50 winner gets an early Christmas gift from Santa and Tony Oakes.
Tony Oakes, Nigel Cannon and Santa Claus present to the second 50/50 winner.
The Pattaya Orphanage choir in full voice.
