FITZROY HARBOUR – The Bethel-St. Andrew’s United Church Women (UCW) hosted a modest Christmas event last Wednesday (Dec. 11) that brought seniors from around West Carleton and neighbours from Arnprior.

The annual UCW Senior Christmas Tea held at the Bethel-St. Andrew’s United Church brought together 39 seniors including a bus from the Arnprior Villa for tea, treats and a bit of caroling.

UCW President Nancy Hayley was pleased with the roughly 39 people filling two large tables at the event held in the United church’s hall but “we are always wanting more.”

This in the fourth year the UCW have hosted the event and Hayley says they do it just to spread some festive cheer.

“It’s just something nice for us to do,” Hayley said. “Get people out and in the Christmas spirit.”

After tea UCW volunteers lead in some carols with organ accompaniment from Rick Leben who also volunteers as the church organist. Hayley says the event also gets some assistance from the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre.

The senior tea is one of several events the UCW hosts throughout the year. They hosted a Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 27 featuring jellies, jams, baking, crafts “and a wonderful lunch.”

“Oh my gosh, we’re always busy because we make our pies,” Hayley said of the UCW’s annual Tourtiere Blitz. “We made more than 150 pies and I think they are all gone.”

Hayley says the UCW hosts about 10 events and make “treats after every church service.”

“It’s nice to see everybody happy,” Hayley said.