Festive delight for OAPs
Thursday December 10, 2009
Pensioners are already looking forward to spending Christmas Day at the Town Hall.
Once again, more than 300 of the borough's older residents who usually spend the festive season alone will celebrate Christmas Day with the council this year.
With a whopping 1,500 sprouts to boil, 60 kilos of turkey to cook, 500 stuffing balls to prepare and a massive 15 kilos of custard needed for the trifle the day take enormous planning and preparation and the council is indebted to the numerous volunteers and donators who make the day run smoothly.
The event is one of the social highlights of the year for the pensioners, offering people over 60 who are alone and have no family living nearby a place to come together for roast turkey with all the trimmings. They can also enjoy entertainment, dancing, Christmas crackers and a good sing-song. H&F is the only council in the country to provide such a Christmas Day meal
Doris Bender, of Ethel Rankin, Fulham, attended the Town Hall Christmas lunch for the first time last year. She said: "I had a wonderful time last year. The food was beautiful and there was a nice dance afterwards and good entertainment. I really hope to be able to go again this year because it is such a fantastic day out for those of us who would otherwise have to spend Christmas alone."
Violet McCarthy also enjoyed last year's party. She said: "There was a very good atmosphere and the food was well cooked. There was too much food for me and I had to leave some! I had a really lovely time."
Pensioners are being urged to contact the council as a matter of urgency if they wish to attend this year's festivities. All potential guests must complete an application form. To obtain a form call 0845 337
0314 or email events@lbhf.gov.uk.
To ensure fairness to all applicants, guests will be selected to attend on the basis of need and on a first come, first served basis and forms must be returned by 7th December . Successful applicants will receive their invitations by 11th December.
Over 80 volunteers contributed to the day itself last year, serving Christmas lunch and even joining in with a dance. The council is once again on the lookout for volunteers for this year's event.
Councillor Alex Karmel, Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham said: "Christmas is a time for families to be together. Unfortunately not all of us are lucky enough to have friends or family around.
"That is why the council will once again hold our annual Christmas Day lunch party for older people who would otherwise spend Christmas alone. We rely heavily on the support of residents and businesses who donate or volunteer to make this special event possible and to me this truly demonstrates the spirit of Christmas."
The council is still on the lookout for any individuals or local companies who may be able to provide donations, food, gifts or their time. Last year gifts and monetary donations were received from over 50 companies and numerous individuals donations.
If you are able to donate something towards the Christmas Day lunch, or would like to volunteer to help on the day, please email events@lbhf.gov.uk or call 0845 337 0314.
