Christmas 2011at Nelson's Dockyard

Marita3
Mark & Helen Syrett
Tue 27 Dec 2011 12:19
Christmas with a difference to say the least!
On Christmas Eve twenty one of us from six boats went to supper at the Admirals Inn where they provided a very good dinner.
At 2215 we (Mark, Helen, Tom, George and Moin  (the German boat) and some from Camelot (the Norwegian boat)) went in a taxi to the local Anglican Church. When we arrived there were about a dozen people there but no choir or organist. The priest was leading the 'warm up' singing with gusto in true Caribbean fashion and introduced each carol/hym with the words ''we will try hymn number....''.
For one hymn we were told to clear our throats as there were going to be some high notes, so a lot of coughing and gurgling took place. As we ''tried'' more congregation arrived including the choir members and the organist. At 2300 a full communion service started. The Peace  took rather a long time as nearly everybody shook hands with each other. The sermon was delivered with great feeling and vocal strength with crys and murmurs of yes from the congregation in approval of various points that were made. All visitors (about 15) to the Church were asked to stand and we  were then clapped in welcome by the congregation.We finally went back to the boat at about 0030.
In the morning we walked to Tom and Nadine's B&B to skype our families. We sat on the verandah overlooking English Harbour and Nelson's Dockyard---a great view.
 
After that it was back to the boat for the BBQ and steel band which played continuously all day until it was dark at 1800.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 A lovely yacht called Elena (London registered) came into the dock.
 
There was a real party atmosphere with large quatities of booze consumed---this was sold in aid of two local charities.
Mark had his usual post Christmas lunch siesta and was duly photographed as were two more generations of Syretts----George and Yannick. Who was looking after who?