Christmas Dinner 2006
Kenilworth celebrated its annual Christmas Dinner with the announcement of the Citizen of the Year, the annual ad hoc Christmas Pantomime and the Christmas message from Methodist Minister Andy Laird.


Click the triangle above to see Kenilworth Rotarians having Fellowship and Fun.
Can you recognise our Town Mayor doing his thespian bit?


The evening begins with a presentation to Elodie, on behalf of the staff of the Quality Hotel.

Elodie says thank you on behalf of the staff ...

... who stand in line as the presentation is made.

Citizen of the Year: Christmas 2006: Dr Tom Backhouse

Rotarian Arnold Bolton presents the eulogy for the Rotary Club of Kenilworth’s Citizen of the Year, ...

... to the astonishment of John Backhouse who suddenly realised it was him.

President Phil makes the presentation to celebrate John Backhouse’s long commitment to those suffering from cancer, including the establishment of the Myton Hospice at Warwick.

He thanks the club for the award, smiling that it is the first time he has heard his obituary being read.


The Kenilworth Town Mayor, Michael Coker, speaks in praise of the Kenilworth Club.

The President gives a bouquet to the President’s lady.

The main act of the evening was an impromptu performance of Cinderella, written by President Phil with topical references to Rotary.

The story-teller (Phil Highley) and Major Domo (Bernard Beadle) keep the story moving.

With Prince Charming Maurice Holden and Cinderella herself.

Geoff Burrows is a splendid Buttons ...

... and Peggy Ruskin a dashing Dandini, sparring with the broker’s men, Jerry Duckett and Peter Roberts, who attempt to enforce Baron Hardup’s bankruptcy.

Baron Hardup is read by Kenilworth Mayor, Michael Coker, himself a long-term Rotarian with Leamington Rotary Club.

The ugly sisters are Graham Tall and Richard Lemberger, adding a fruity flavour to the comedy cocktail.


The evening ends as thespians Phil (Rotary President), Pam (President, Inner Wheel+, and Mary Kelley present a play about Wise Man Balthazaar and his family, as part of the Christmas Message ...

... Given by Andy Laird, the Minister of the Kenilworth Methodist Church, who brings the festive evening to an appropriate conclusion looking forward to the true meaning of Christmas.

The final photo call: Rev. Laird, Pam Roberts (President of Inner Wheel), Michael Coker (Mayor of Kenilworth), Phil Highley (President of Kenilworth Rotary), Kay Prentice (President’s Lady).