article by Graham from Larkhall

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My Christmas Day

The last 16 years on Christmas Day I was awakened by my alarm clock at half past seven to start my work for nine o’clock.

Me and my wife would wake up the kids and watch them open all their presents and every year both of them would say this is the best Christmas ever. With a hug and kiss off I went to my work, out the door and into the car.

On the way I saw no one, just empty streets and closed shops.

At work my firs job was to pick up the chambermaid in Larkhall, then back to the Hotel. Then empty all the bins, wash the front steps and stock all the bars. Then off to do the laundry for the Hotel. By that time it was time for my Christmas dinner – roast potatoes, brussel sprouts, carrots, stuffing, chipolatas and turkey with gravy. Mmm…

There were four sittings and they started at 12 o’clock. There were just 60 people at the 12 o’clock sitting and at the half past two there were 250 people and the five o’clock was for 240 people. The dinner dance meal was for 200 people. Then I went to Larkhall with the Chambermaids at 2pm and stopped at their houses.

Then I went off to the Kitchen Porter’s and back to the Hotel.

Then the Chef sent me out to look for some brown bread to make croutons for the soup. After looking all over Hamilton I came across the Leighstonehall Convenient Store where I found some. Then back to the Hotel and it was time to go home.

And its just a normal Christmas Day.

Graham McIntosh

Community Learning

Larkhall Group

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The Webmaster was wondering how many other unfortunate people have to work on Christmas day. 

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