CAS Members and Friends Christmas in August 2026

  Royal Oak Hotel  

527 Bridge Rd, Richmond

Sunday 2 August 2026

Review by Cressida Fox

Our party of about 25 CAS Members and friends gathered by the fire in the cosy main dining room at the Royal Oak Hotel in Richmond. Guests happily mingled for drinks, chats and catchups before ordering lunch and taking seats at the two long tables, which were festively adorned with a selection of colourful Christmas baubles and decorations which had been brought by CAS.

Guests arriving and mingling

We settled at the tables and continued many lively discussions on all manner of topics. Everyone enjoyed the food, which was fresh and tasty, and in generous serves. Dishes included may pub favourites such as parmas and schnitzels, bangers and mash, fish and chips, roast of the day, and very fresh salads. Everyone enjoyed their lunches, and hotel staff were very pleasant and efficient as always.

Guests placed their Kris Kringles on a designated table (on right) as they arrived

After lunch, CAS President Robert announced that it was Kris Kringle time, and handed out the gifts, making sure that each participant received a gift which was not the same one that they had brought, so every gift was a mystery package. As requested, we all opened them at the same time. This was a great idea as we all simultaneously got to see what each other got, which was great fun, and brought much surprise and delight. There was a wide and interesting variety of gifts, including canvases and other art related things, an artwork created by one of the guests, a unique brass monkey bottle opener, and other creative items.

The unveiling of the Kris Kringles

Guests were invited to take one or two of the colourful baubles and decorations, as a memento of the event. After enjoying a delightful afternoon of good wine, food and company, guests lingered over drinks and conversations before slowly departing into the crisp winter air, wearing a warm rosy glow of pleasure and the odd bauble or two.