Elderly invited to Christmas lunch   01/12/2006

Christmas Day’s ‘Lunch of Fellowship’ at the Ryefield Centre will offer a warm – if not roasting! – welcome and a group of people in Ross are determind not to allow anyone to slip the net this year.

“We prefer those who would like Christmas Day lunch to come and join us at the Ryefield Centre, but we will deliver normal meals on wheels if getting out of the house isn’t an option,” said Dennis, Centre manager.

The group of volunteers - based at Ryefield Centre - include Ross Lions, the WRVS and the Council, who all come together at this time of year to discuss final preparations for the Christmas lunch.

This week and next, the organisers of the festive feast are appealing to everyone in the Ross area, including the small outlying villages and hamlets near the town, to get in touch and book either themselves or someone they know into the meal.

Dennis explained : “Many of our Christmas guests are people who attend the regular Friday luncheon club, but it is very important people understand that the Christmas Day lunch is aimed to ensure no-one spends Christmas alone.

Ideally everyone should share some fellowship on this special day and we welcome everyone who wants to come and not just our regular luncheon club guests.”

He and his regular helpers – and anyone who has time to join in and give a hand for a couple of hours –will serve around 60 or 70 people to a full, gourmet feast of roast turkey and all the trimmings, cooked by a local chef. “We need to know how many are coming before we place final orders in the next few days. Obviously we are looking for any volunteer helpers for the organisation and delivery of this luncheon. There is still a great deal to do before Christmas Day,” he said.

People to decorate the hall, go shopping, collate names and addresses and generally lend a hand in whatever way they can – including potato peeling and washing up – can telephone Dennis on 01989 768273 .