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Christmas Market at Waddesdon Manor M y visit took place on a beautiful cold and frosty winter’s day, with blue sky and sun sparkling on the overnight sprinkling of snow. Over 80 festively decorated stalls set against the impressive façade of this French renaissance chateau, choral carols playing in the background, and the scent of roasting chestnuts mingling with those of mulled wine all helped to create the perfect seasonal atmosphere for this Christmas Market. The market stalls displayed everything you might possibly need to complete your Christmas celebrations; including truckles of artisan cheeses, home made preserves, puddings and chocolate, liqueurs and locally brewed ales – with lavish tasting greatly encouraged! In addition, abundant seasonal gifts and decorations also proved tempting to the busy crowds enjoying the market. The impressive façade of Waddesdon Manor. being one of the most popular. Heated with burning braziers and with sheepskins and blankets providing warm seating, the café served a variety of delicious, comforting “street style” food. A variety of takeaway food and drink was also available, the Wigwam café set in the gardens This market is highly recommended to get you in the mood for Christmas! PETER KERWOOD Asthma Christmas Fair O n 27th November 2017 we attended the 35th and final Asthma Christmas Fair at the prestigious Hurlingham Club in West London. The Fair started in 1982 and grew to what it is today raising over £1million for Asthma UK and always very well attended. The Atrium looked amazing and very festive as stallholders had made a concentrated effort to decorate their stalls with lights and balloons. The usual stalls were there and sought after especially The Christmas Cake lady and Simply Salmon & Fine Foods. This year there were several new additions which made the Fair especially interesting. Twilight Trees added a twist of sophistication and magic with lit up trees to hire or buy to use inside or out. What a splendid idea. A display of beautiful faux flowers. Our complimentary bags from Sponsors, Strutt & Parker, were soon filling up and a big thank you to Finest Fizz for kindly sponsoring the drinks on the evening. They are importers of exquisite boutique Grand Cru & Premier Cru Champagne including their popular Skinny Rose’ which has only 45cals per glass! The raffle, with amazing holiday prizes, and the popular Champagne tombola, with a prize every time, added to the fun. The laughter and cheering brought a party atmosphere to the event. The whole evening was a great achievement by an amazing and dedicated committee and will be missed by many of the loyal supporters. Hopefully a new venue will be found and the Fair will take place in some form next year. This year over £60,000 was raised for Asthma UK. LYNNE WARNER An amazing array of lovely items. An abundance of choices. Visit The London & UK DatebooK on www.thedatebook.co.uk THE LONDON & UK DATEBOOK 7