Celebrating 2023 and looking forward to 2024 at the Savoyards’ New Year Dinner

It was an afternoon of fun, fabulous food, singing and celebration as the Savs’ New Year Dinner was held in Harrogate for the third year running (28/1/24). The upper room of The Coach and Horses on West Park Stray was the venue for a celebration which included a new innovation in the form of the “Savvys”, an award for unsung heroes who didn’t receive official recognition at the time.

Four coveted and hightly prized Savvy trophies (just don’t wash them in soap and water!)) were awarded to deserving unsung heroes. Pictured presenting the awards is Roz Ebbetts who created the coveted painted glass trophies. The “Show must go On” award went to Carrie Longstaff who bravely went on stage after suffering a bad fall, tripping over one of Settle’s notorious sleeping policemen, suffering cuts and bruises, but still taking to the stage despite injury. The second award, the “Roadie” award went to the team from Sale who over many years have consistently been first to each theatre, have steadfastly unloaded the van at each venue, helped set up the stage, and then do the reverse at the end of the show - as well, of course as appearing on stage unfazed and unflustered each evening. Janice Rendel and Bekah Murray accepted the award which also went (in absentia) to Helen Fieldsend and Matt Callaghan.

The “Cutting through red tape” award went to secretary, Dot Haken for spending many hours on the laborious process of becoming a qualified chaperone… And finally, the “Taking it to the Streets” award went to husband and wife team, Damian Boddy and Pat Malham, who drummed up support along the seafront in Scarborough in full Gondoliers costume!

The Dinner also featured a spirited rendition of “Trial by Jury” ably accompanied by our pianist, Margaret Wood. Pictured are Janice Rendel as ‘Angelina’ and Graham Weston as the judge. A special mention must go to the staff at the Coach and Horses who provided place settings , a slick service and, of course, excellent food.