A FREE community Christmas lunch is being organised in Evenwood to help spread festive cheer.
Residents aged 60 and over, who live in the village or in Ramshaw, are being invited to the event at Evenwood Workingmen’s Club on Wednesday, December 5, from noon to 3pm. This is all thanks to Kimberley Clark, who runs her own catering business, Kim’s Kitchen, from her home in the village.
Ms Clark said: “I just thought to myself, if I get to such anage I would hope someone would do a kind gesture like this for me and it has all just escalated from there. We had a bit of a trial run in January with a new year lunch. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it so I promised I would do it again in December.”
Guests will be given the chance to indulge in a hot festive lunch and a pudding. Afterwards there will be bingo, a raffle and music for all to enjoy. More than 70 people have already taken up the offer.
The food will be mainly supplied by Ms Clark but she has had a number of donations promised for the day. These include food from Joanne Iceton, of the charity Feeding Families, and Suzanne Patterson, who is the Co-op distribution liaison officer in Birtley. Volunteers will be on hand on the day to help with the running of the event including Ms Clark’s sister, Claire Burt.
Volunteers from Angel Trust, a charity launched by TV personality Scarlett Moffatt, have also offered to help.
Chief executive of Angel Trust Clair McGregor said: “Kimberley supports me in everything.
“It is nice for us to be linked with this and for us to feel part of the community.
“Our charity is very much about the community spirit.”
The club’s concert room is being provided free of charge for the event.
Alison Stoker, who runs the club, said: “I think the Christmas lunch is a brilliant idea.”
All proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets and bingo books will go towards funding the annual children’s Christmas party at the club.
Ms Burt, who lives in Toft Hill, said: “We grew up in Evenwood and it was always very community orientated.”
Ms Clark added: “It is all about working together in the community and raising community spirit.”
Anyone who would like to attend should contact Ms Stoker at Evenwood Workingmen’s Club as soon as possible.
