New Year's Eve

On New Year's Eve we decided to avoid the fireworks and crowds at Senegambia and have a dinner party at Helen's instead. Helen hosted and we were joined by Ellie and Joshua, Joe, Laura, Munya, Maja, and Nicola. 

We used the board from Helen's bed to extend the table to fit us all round*, and Helen cooked bruschetta to start, followed by coq au vin with mashed potato, and sticky toffee cake (cooked by Helen on her stove top - very impressive). 

As we had English, Zimbabwean and Danish attendance we tried to incorporate a number of new year traditions, including jumping off chairs from Maja (Danish style) and 'first footing' from Helen (we all left out of the back door, celebrated new year on the roof and then Helen entered the house for the first time in 2014 carrying coal for warmth, whisky for good cheer, money for prosperity, bread for food and a candle for light through the door with her.)

Preparation for 'first footing'

We then watched the fireworks from her roof top, and celebrated new year with her neighbours who joined us on the roof. 

*Helen woke up on New Year's day lying half on her bed and half on the floor where the bed had collapsed - turns out the board was quite essential!