This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Gainsborough Christmas Day Lunch, which the organisers hope will be extra special for everyone.
Anyone who would otherwise spend Christmas Day alone is invited to join the Gainsborough Christmas Day Lunch Committee for a free Christmas lunch, turning what might have been a lonely day into a memorable festive occasion.
The event has always aimed to bring people together to celebrate Christmas and enjoy the festivities in the company of others. It is run entirely by volunteers and made possible by the generosity of local businesses and the community, who support it year after year.
Its purpose remains to ensure that people can share the day, enjoy the celebrations and avoid spending Christmas alone and isolated. This support is intended for guests who would otherwise have no company and might be unable to reach the venue under their own steam. The organisers are grateful for every contribution, which helps the volunteer-run celebration continue its long tradition.
The festive meal will be held at the Blues Club, North Street, Gainsborough DN21 2HU, on Christmas Day, Friday 25th December. It begins at 11.00am with tea, coffee and nibbles and finishes at about 2.30pm.
Carols will be sung, followed by a two-course Christmas lunch cooked by Mandy Cooper, with mince pies and chocolates afterwards. Emma will again provide the entertainment, and Santa Claus will distribute presents.
Free transport will be provided for anyone in Gainsborough and the surrounding district who cannot travel independently.
Anyone who expects to be alone and would like to attend simply needs to contact Stan Foster or Sandra to book. This enables the organisers to cater correctly and retain contact details for health and safety purposes. The closing date is Saturday 12th December.
Donations of any kind are also welcome from anyone who would like to make Christmas more cheerful for people who might otherwise be alone. Please contact Stan to make arrangements.
To book, donate or ask for more information, contact Stan Foster on 01777 248354 or 07904 212533, or Sandra on 07484 864212.