The annual PSC Christmas Party is always eagerly awaited by the members, and some 400 of them turned up with invited guests on Wednesday, Dec.11 for this year’ event at the Town-in-Town Hotel.
At 6.25 p.m. the doors were opened and President Tony Oakes, Social Chairman Nigel Cannon assisted by Mike Coleman, and Santa (aka Rick Bevington) welcomed all to the party. The members and guests took their seats without delay and the efficient Town-in-Town staff ensured that all had a drink in quick time.
The Pattaya Orphanage children pose with Khun Toy and PSC President Tony Oakes.
On the stroke of 7 p.m. Nigel took to the stage and wished everyone an enjoyable evening and as he spoke some 30 children from the Pattaya Orphanage, in their traditional Christmas attire and accompanied by Khun Toy, entered the main room and lined up in front of the stage. They then proceeded to sing 4 carols – in English – much to the total appreciation of all. Following loud applause for their performance, PSC President Tony presented Khun Toy with a bouquet and wished all at the Orphanage a Happy Christmas!
Chris Davisson (center) with PSC President Tony Oakes (left) and PSC Social Chairman Nigel Cannon (right).
Tony returned to the stage to formally open the party and expressed his appreciation to Nigel, and particularly to the Town-in-Town management and staff who had decorated the whole area in a picturesque Christmas and New Year theme, produced a superb international buffet, and ensured that everyone had their glass topped up. He then welcomed all members and guests and said the buffet was now open.
Barry Upton had the party rocking all night.
Among the dignitaries present were two special guests attending a PSC function for the first time; Chaowait Sanguthai, who is the Banglamung Sheriff, and Rattanachai Suttechanai, Chairman of the Cultural and Tourism committee at City Hall. Tony expressed a warm welcome to both on behalf of all PSC members and hoped they would join us again in the future. Both said a few words of appreciation to the PSC for the part that it plays in the community.
The regular Town-in-Town band played music whilst all enjoyed the buffet and the opportunity to chat with friends in a relaxed atmosphere. At 9 p.m. Nigel introduced the musical entertainment for the evening, the very popular Barry Upton. By the end of his first number the place was rocking and the dance floor was crowded, as it remained for the next 45 minutes.
Barry took a well-earned rest as raffle tickets were sold by the ‘Lewiinski’s Lovelies’ for the 22 raffle prizes and door prize of a 32″ colour TV. Nigel expressed his appreciation to the ladies and Mike Jeffery for their efforts with the raffle.
The girls enjoyed the live music and showed some slick moves on the dance floor.
It was the usual team on hand with Nigel calling the numbers, little Bee Jackson drawing the tickets, Tony Oakes and Golf Chairman Joe Mooneyham presenting the prizes, and Mike Coleman ensuring they went in the right order. The last 2 tickets were to receive 25% of the raffle takings and the final ticket was won by regular Pattaya golfer Chris Davisson who, after receiving the cash from Tony, generously gave it to Nigel asking him to donate it to a charity. Following a conversation with Charity Chairman William Macey and with Chris’s approval, it was decided to divide the money between Pattaya Orphanage and the Camillian Centre.
The Town in Town Hotel was specially decorated in a Christmas theme for the occasion.
It was then back to Barry Upton for more great music including a medley of Beatles songs which had many, including Thais, singing along. It was another great 45 minutes with the dance floor packed with dancers of all ages and sizes. The Town-in-Town band then returned to play both Thai and English songs and the dance floor continued to be a popular place, particularly with the ladies!
All too soon the bewitching hour arrived and it was time to go home but all agreed it had been another great PSC party and there were many complementary comments extended to the Executive Committee.
Speaking afterwards, Nigel praised Khun Aun of Town-in-Town and his staff for producing a truly Christmas theme, from the entrance to the reception, main room and the swimming pool area. That, together with the excellent buffet and drink service made the organizer’s job ‘a piece of cake.’
