With the Channel 4 TV Grand Designs featured house at one end of the vista and the shimmering lake at the other, with inbetween the sparkling swimming pools and paved terraces of Casa La Pedrera, what more scenic venue could there be for our second Summer Barbecue? After being directed to park neatly by the yellow “hi-viz” jacketed U3A stewards, over 100 members and guests enjoyed the early evening sun in this most relaxing atmosphere before the festivities began. The evening got off to a fabulous start with costumed dancers, three of whom are members of our U3A, skilfully and passionately executing a selection of stirring Sevillanas dances.
Then it was the turn of maestro “Smithy”, welcomed back by popular demand, to continue the musical theme with a great selection of backing tracks whilst teams circulated around the tables encouraging everyone to participate in a variety of highly comical “guessing games” each of which promised a prize for the winner. Much fun was had by all. Winners were duly declared and awarded their prizes.
A superb meal was then served by Jenni of Casa La Pedrera and her seemingly tireless band of helpers. Following the meal the attention turned to the Petanca piste for rounds of Knockout Petanca. Spurred on by Jenni, the rivalry between tables was extremely keen with everyone cheering on their respective teams. A champion duly fought her way through the heats and was rewarded with a great prize.
As the excitement died down “Smithy” moved seamlessly into his act singing everyone’s favourite sing-a-long songs from “our era”. Eventually the tempo was raised again and those with energy to spare hit the dance floor.
Eventually as the sun dipped behind the hills at the far end of the lake, the sky gradually deepened into velvety blackness and hundreds of twinkling stars filled the night sky and reflected in the water below, it was time to draw the bumper raffle. Then back to “Smithy” to slow the evenings’ excitement down with a selection of “smoochy” tunes. Slowly the revellers began drifting homewards although some seemingly reluctant to leave, lingered on over a last coffee and a slice of homemade cake.
Thanks indeed to Pen Taylor and her team of helpers for organising the event this year, creating truly another great U3A summer barbecue.
Bob Hill
