The traditional Free Christmas Day Lunch and celebration, now in its 48th year, was held at The Blues Club Gainsborough.
It was another successful year, with 112 people catered for, starting at 11.00am and continuing until 2.30pm. Everyone certainly enjoyed themselves.
The Christmas Day event allowed people in Gainsborough and the surrounding district, who would otherwise have spent Christmas Day alone, to celebrate in the company of others while enjoying a sumptuous meal prepared by the wonderful cooks Lynn and John Collins and Mandy Cooper. Entertainment was provided by Emma Kelsey, who got everyone dancing – even joining in the Conga – until Santa arrived to deliver presents.
Special thanks go to the Chairman of West Lindsey District Council, Councillor Stephen Bunney, for starting the celebrations. Appreciation is also extended to Councillor David Dobbie for the financial award from the West Lindsey Councillors’ Initiative Fund and for taking his family to assist with the event.
Councillors James Plastow and Richard Craig, along with their families, generously supported the event as volunteers. They gave up their Christmas Day to assist with the festivities, including washing up and clearing away.
Stan Foster, who organises and oversees the event, commented: “The generosity of the many local organisations and individuals who donate goods for the event, money to cover costs, and gifts for the guests—allowing the event to be provided completely free of charge—never ceases to amaze me. Many of them donate year after year, and I am constantly overwhelmed by their kindness.
“Special appreciation must go to all the volunteers who give up their valuable time on Christmas Eve to set up the venue and on Christmas Day to transport guests to and from the event, serve meals, and chat with guests to ensure everyone enjoys a truly festive Christmas Day to remember. They even handle the washing up and clearing away.
“Without the donations and support of these volunteers, this Gainsborough tradition—ensuring that no one needs to be alone on Christmas Day—would not be able to continue. I sincerely hope it lasts for many years to come. We owe that to the local community.
“It is wonderful to see so many smiling faces, with people enjoying themselves, chatting to others, and even dancing. Many of them said, ‘We look forward to next year,’ which makes all the effort worthwhile.”
Grateful thanks are also extended to The Blues Club for their help, support, and the use of their premises, to Community Wheels for their assistance, and to Gainsborough Life for promoting the event. Donations were gratefully received from:
- ACIS Group
- AMP Rose
- Cliff Bradley and Sons
- Cargill PLC
- Hunters Estate Agents
- Morrisons
- Noble Foods
- Penistone Finance
- Pink Orchid Florist
- Rotary Club of Gainsborough
- Sills and Betteridge Solicitors
- Springthorpe Village Hall
- Springthorpe Church Choir
- Tesco
- West Lindsey Councillor Initiative Fund
- Zenas Top Nosh
- WI and church groups for gifts distributed by Val Strawson
- Williamsons Farm Shop