Wintry weather caused a few to be stuck in the overnight snow, but 21 hardy Lythamers made it to Manchester on Monday 21st December for a busy day of activities.

Under the expert tuition of Kirsty Scott from the Sunshine Studios the group spent 90 minutes Ballroom Dancing – some were ( considerably) better than others, but everyone very much enjoyed the session.

A short walk through 10 million Christmas shoppers took us to the Big Wheel where the reduced prices, warmer capsules and brilliant visibility made for an excellent experience. Then it was half an hour to grab lunch at the Christmas Market or elsewhere before we assembled at the Library Theatre for a first-class performances of Grimm Tales.

It certainly wasn’t the Disney version and each of the seven tales entertained, amused and produced some dark moments. The Bird, The Mouse and the Sausage was the favourite of many, though the slicing off of bits of Cinderella’s sisters’ feet was also appreciated!

Across the road to Pizza Express for a relaxed couple of hours – a chance to catch up with everyone as we changed places twice during the meal. There were special awards for new Oakley people, good and awful communication, plus a discreet little trophy for Chris Vernazza, the editor of the Oakley Ciren, to round off the 90th anniversary year.

Everyone also kindly contributed to a special charity collection to be used by one of the Lythamers next summer.

The presence of Rachel Hay from Buckley-with-Lytham and Jenny Whitehead from Crewe-with-Lytham added significantly to the day and we travelled home by train exhausted but happy and looking forward to the Oakley Holidays once more in 2010.

Those attending: Ellie and Vicky Taylor, Laura and Ed Bury, Chris and Nick Searing, Lianne and Chris Fox, Rebecca Waite, Helen Bradbrook, Hannah Youles, Rachel Hay, Jenny Whitehead, Julian Wilde, Chris Roberts, Emma, Helen and Richard Leigh, Frankie Ball, Kenji King, Chris Vernazza