Report on Churches Together Christmas Day Lunch 2013

Post date: Jan 18, 2014 10:01:14 AM

Heartfelt Thanks for Party Triumph

The Christmas Day party for Senior Citizens in Lewes proved a great success.

Staged at the House of Friendship, it has been organised and funded by Churches Together in the Lewes Area for nearly 30 years. This year a generous donation of £750 by the local branch of Waitrose allowed for an extra special lunch with wine and a bag full of Treats for the 17 guests.

Gretel Scott, Secretary of Churches Together in the Lewes Area, thanked House of Friendship Chairman Heather Hicks for allowing the venue to be used free of charge. She also thanked the more than 30 volunteers who helped make the day a triumph.

She said: "CLLr Ruth O'Keefe, the seemingly inexhaustible Mayor of Lewes, greeted guests and volunteer helpers on their arrival, presenting them each with a special commemorative badge.

"We were overwhelmed with offers of help from volunteers. Some made puddings, stuffing. brandy butter etc. in advance while others shopped for ingredients and presents or came to prepare vegetables and to cook the all-important lunch on the big day.

"We had volunteer drivers who collected guests from their homes and drove them home after the part., 'meeters and greeters' who made sure that everyone was settled with a drink - and yet another team of people who served lunch and sat down to eat it with guests at their table."

Local organist, Nick Milner-Gulland played carols on the piano and provided live music for 'Pass the Parcel", prepared and ably managed by his wife, Anna. Sue Short compered the Quiz, before gifts were distributed to the departing guests, leaving the final team of helpers to wash the dishes and clear up.

Report from the Sussex Express.