It was ‘hats off’ to the Mayor of Epsom and Ewell, Cllr George Crawford QPM recently, when he and his partner Mayoress Jackie Hennings arrived as guests of the Epsom and Ewell Talking Newspaper Christmas gathering in hilarious Nordic-style Christmas hats.

As President of the volunteer-run charity for the blind, known as EETN, he said: "I was just going to pop in casually wearing a dark shirt and trousers, but Jackie was horrified and said we were asked to wear something Christmassy. She then marched us off to a Christmas shop in the High Street where we found these great hats". 

Following EETN’s last recording of the year, which goes out on memory stick free of charge to around 130 blind and visually impaired local residents, volunteers of all ages donned their festive hats and jumpers, including 86 year old long-term volunteer Gwyneth Smith who joined in the fun only days after an operation. "I wouldn’t miss it for the world" she said.

Heather Griffin, who orchestrated the mini buffet, soon had helpers decking the office table with their own tasty, home-made sausage rolls, mince pies and party food.

Once the traditional Christmas snap was captured, for which everyone dressed the part, the Mayor produced his ukele, and got the party started with George Formby favourites like ‘When I’m Cleaning Windows’, ‘Leaning on a lamp post’ then the West Ham supporters’ favourite ‘I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles. Finally he got everyone singing along to ‘I Belong To Glasgow’.

Chairman Judy Sarssam, who is herself blind, enjoyed dancing to the music with her husband Amer. The Mayor, who’s been playing a guitar all his life, only took up the ukele seriously three years ago, when partner Jackie bought him one as a surprise. "It’s nothing like the early one that George Formby played" he said, "that was really a banjulele and didn’t resonate in the same way as this one". 

He’s much in demand for his music, though playing for different events every couple of days and was even off to Glyn School a bit later that day, where he would undoubtedly be performing again.

With plenty more diary dates to fulfil before Christmas, how does he look forward to spending the two special days? "I love Christmas dinner and I do look forward to it, but actually I will be serving it for lunch at the Methodist Church and I’ll be serving tea at Ruxley Lane in the afternoon". 

If you find yourself in need of some fresh air and fun on Boxing Day, you can join the Mayor in Ewell Village for the Ewell Street Mary’s Morris Men tour, which raises funds for the Mayor’s charities.

Duty aside, what’s the one thing that our musical Mayor is looking forward to this Christmas? With a smile he says: "A large donation to my charity Macmillan Cancer Support". He then thanked everyone at EETN and said how friendly and hard working the volunteer team were, before departing for his next appointment.

The Epsom and Ewell Talking Newspaper, a registered charity for 42 years, will be back recording local news, views and lots more on 5th January. For more information visit: www.eetn.org.uk

Based on information supplied by Jan Collier.