Vicky Ellis and her family are busy preparing for Marlborough’s 21st Christmas Day lunch. The event will be held in Marlborough Town Hall, courtesy of the Town Council. The Christmas Day lunch is not means tested and is mainly for, but not limited to, the elderly or vulnerable. The lunch is all about coming together as a community to enjoy each other’s company as well as plenty of food and drink. Volunteers are also required on the day and to help with the preparations on Christmas Eve.
Vicky told Marlborough News, “I’m very excited – our 21st year will be bigger and better than ever! Guests will be arriving at 12 noon on Christmas Day for a full Christmas meal. There’ll also be a raffle, bingo, presents and an afternoon tea to take home. We will home deliver a meal for anyone who can’t leave their house but as much as possible we encourage people to enjoy the festive fun and togetherness at the Town Hall.”
To book your place either collect a form from the Jubilee Centre or email Vicky on vellis@thomasmae.co.uk. Due to a number of donations from generous sponsors the usual charge will be waived this year. Another way of supporting the event is by volunteering. There are three different time slots when volunteers are required: to set up and decorate the Town Hall from 10 am on Christmas Eve; to help with the event on Christmas Day from 11.30am to 3.15/3.30pm; and a small number of home delivery drivers are also required on Christmas Day.
Vicky says, “We’d also be very grateful for raffle prizes or gifts such as toiletries, chocolates and everyday food items. Please avoid alcohol.” If you would like to volunteer please email Vicky on vellis@thomasmae.co.uk. Gift donations can be given to Vicky at Land and New Homes Network, Elcot Mews, Elcot Lane, SN8 2AE.
Vicky’s grandparents, Nigel and Joy Kerton, started the Christmas Day lunch twenty one years ago after hearing that a Marlborough resident had been alone with a tin of salmon and a piece of bread on Christmas Day.
This year, like last year, the event really is a family affair. As well as Vicky, there will be mum Claire, dad Kevin, nan Joy, grandad Nigel, and Vicky’s partner, Jamie, and all his family. Vicky commented, “I’ve been so involved with this event since I was a small child – it’s all I’ve ever known. The Town Hall becomes just like one big happy family; people make friends with people they haven’t met before. I’m very grateful to all the sponsors and generosity of local people and businesses for making it possible for us to go ahead. I’m so looking forward to it. I can’t wait. It will be another wonderful Christmas.”
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