The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A fantastic 50 individuals turned up to enjoy Christmas dinner together.
Vanessa Browning, of Community Mind Matters, for the second year running cooked the special meal on Christmas Day for those who might otherwise be alone.
“It was amazing,” she said of the event held at St Norbert’s Church’s Project St Thomas in Spalding. “The fact so many people turned up showed how much of a need there was.
“It was just a brilliant atmosphere and thanks to some amazing donations we were able to give everyone a present too.
“We had a real range of ages and backgrounds come down.
“For some it was their first Christmas on their own after losing a partner during the year.
“Some weren’t able to attend in person so we plated a dinner up and delivered it while making sure we had a chat with them.”
Vanessa’s daughter Rachel Turner joined her in the kitchen for cooking while they were joined by a host of volunteers including Coun Ingrid Sheard.
Jack McLean was able to go round and pick those up and 12-year-old Ollie Ford collected presents he donated.
“Ollie was brilliant,” Vanessa continued. “He and all the volunteers were just great.
“I can’t thank everyone involved enough including Green Core, Sainsbury’s and Serge Finghganghar from Hughes Electrical who all helped out.
“We also did a more relaxed dinner at Pinchbeck Village Hall for ten people on Boxing Day.”
l Coun Paul Barnes provided funds for residents of Fleet Hargate Sheltered Housing scheme to have a tea and chat together on Christmas Day.
He said: “Everyone had plenty to eat and drink – but more importantly someone to talk to on this special day.
“We are already talking about how to make this event more inclusive next year – so hopefully more people will come along.”
