Vicky Ellis and her family are busy preparing for Marlborough’s Christmas Day lunch. Last year, due to the pandemic, over 70 local people spending Christmas alone received a home delivered Christmas Lunch, afternoon tea treats, choice of drink, a quiz (with answers) and a bag of presents. This year the event returns to Marlborough Town Hall, courtesy of the Town Council.
Vicky’s grandparents, Nigel and Joy Kerton, started the Christmas Day lunch nineteen years ago after hearing that a Marlborough resident had been alone with a tin of salmon and a piece of bread on Christmas Day.
Vicky encourages people to contact her. “If you are spending Christmas alone please join us in the Town Hall. The Christmas Day lunch is available to anyone of any age and is not means tested. The lunch is all about coming together as a community to enjoy each other’s company as well as plenty of food and drink.
We are taking as many recommended Covid precautions as possible and while we are hoping to go ahead as normal it’s a different kind of normal to pre-pandemic times. If there is anyone who is unable to leave the house we are happy to deliver a meal.”
Those participating this year will enjoy a three course meal, a raffle and quizzes, and a present and afternoon tea to take home. Vicky commented, “Thank you as always for the support. This event couldn’t continue every year without the assistance of very generous local people and businesses.”
Vicky has already received a donation from Waitrose, Sumblers will provide the meat, Land and New Homes Network, the drinks. Kymee Cleasby of Sue Brady Catering is loaning the use of the catering premises. The White Horse Bookshop is raising funds by selling an in-house Christmas recipe book at a cost of £5. Click here for more information.
There are also volunteer opportunities on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. “We’d also be very grateful for raffle prizes or gifts such as toiletries, chocolates and everyday food items. Please avoid alcohol.”
The organising committee this year is composed of Vicky and her partner, Jamie Amor, and other members of the family. Vicky explained, “It’s a real family affair this year. We all want to come together to give everyone who participates the best Christmas we can.”
If you would like to book your place at the Christmas lunch either collect a form from the Jubilee Centre or contact Vicky on her email below. If you would like to volunteer on Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day 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.
River Kennet and Danny Kruger – letter from AP Smith
