Luton Irish Forum (LIF) members and friends enjoyed live music, dancing tunes, a fantastic spread of food and great company at their Christmas Social on 9th December in The Celtic Club, Luton.

In view of the current Covid situation, the LIF team and guests were all asked to ensure they had a negative lateral flow test or were supported to take one in a side room, they had their temperatures taken on entry and wore masks.

Guests were welcomed with traditional Irish music from Danny Considine and Eugene Teevan. After a good lunch they danced the afternoon away to a mix of country, rock, pop and some real Christmas favourites played by DJ Matt Speight from The Irish Show, L&D Radio.

The raffle was as popular as ever with star prizes of a giant hamper containing spirits, electric toothbrush, men’s toiletries; a ‘mountain’ of Irish chocolates; vouchers for local stores and whiskey. Thanks to Tesco Express The Mall, The Craic is Back magazine, Baltistan Indian Restaurant, Home Instead Elderly Home Care, Gerry Taylor Irish Butchers, Morrisons Houghton Regis, and Co-op Food Store Stopsley.

Guests included Irish Embassy Representative Mr Martin McDermott, Justice Counsellor, who commented: “I was delighted to have been invited to join the LIF for their Christmas celebration. It gave me the opportunity to see first-hand the excellent work being undertaken by the Forum in the local community, which we are proud to support through Ireland’s Emigrant Support Programme. Noelette and her team, alongside Tom and the board of trustees bring a genuine warmth to what is a vital resource for the local Irish community and all of us at the Embassy look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.”

Noelette Hanley, Chief Executive Officer of LIF and event organiser adds: “As one of our members said today, ‘The LIF social always feels like the start of Christmas’ – and it’s exactly the same for me! Thanks a million to all the volunteers who planned, shopped, chopped, cooked, decorated the tables, served tea and everything else! It’s so lovely when you see everyone chatting and laughing together.”

The event was a real family occasion with two and three generations of some families coming together.

LIF member Eddie Flanagan says: “My daughter came last time and enjoyed it so much that my granddaughter came along too this time! We especially enjoyed the squeezebox and live traditional music. My daughter videoed it and has put it on my phone for me to watch. Great day.”

LIF’s next social will be on St Patrick’s Day (17th March). Keep up to date with LIF news and activities by joining as a member from only £5 a year.

Luton Irish Forum provides a welfare advice service, affordable activities, cultural opportunities and employment support for local people of all ethnicities. Visit www.lutonirishforum.org or phone 01582 720 447 for details.

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