Tea was served at 3.30, Mr Claridge heartily welcoming the guests. He said that he and Mrs Claridge were glad to see them all. He hoped they had had a happy Christmas and trusted that the new year would be bright and peaceful.

Following the tea, which was excellently served by Miss Wyldes, of the Waverley Hotel, a very enjoyable programme was given. Mr Chas Moore sang “If those lips could only speak”, “I am going for a soldier”, &c.; Mr G W Button recited “The life-boat” and other pieces; Mr Jas Gibbs contributed a solo on the bones; Mr A E West gave a tenor horn solo, “In happy moments”; Mr Harry Neal gave a humorous recitation, “The relative relativeness to relations”; and pianoforte solos were given by Mr Walter Howes and Mr Sydney parker. Mr Claridge’s three-year-old daughter gave a recitation, which was much enjoyed.

A substantial supper was served at 7p.m. by the Waverley Hotel Co., the menu including roast turkeys, roast beef, plum puddings, mince pies, &c. The rector (the Ven. Archdeacon Kitchin) said grace before meat, and the Rev W F Harris said grace after the meat. Mr C Claridge, Mr John S Mason, Mrs Geo Bayes, and others assisted in looking after the comfort of the guests.

After the supper the musical programmes was resumed. Songs were given by Mr Howes, Mr C Moore, and others; Mr J Gibbs gave another bone solo; Mr James Bayes, one of the guests, gave a recitation—a scriptural alphabet—which he learnt when nine years of age and which, he said, he had never forgotten. During an interval in the programme, grapes and oranges were handed round among the guests. Parcels were sent to several who were too ill to attend. At the close of the proceedings Mr and Mrs Claridge were heartily thanked for their hospitality and kindness, and the gathering was of a most happy and enjoyable character. Carriages were provided for those who were too infirm to walk home.