Now in its sixteenth year, the Christmas Day lunch in the Town Hall has become a Marlborough tradition. It all began in 2002, when Joy and Nigel Kerton, hearing how a local lady would be alone on Christmas Day with a can of fish, decided to remedy the situation.
On Christmas Day 2018 over fifty residents from the local area will sit down to a free three course Christmas lunch, followed by bingo, a raffle, presents and a goody bag of food for later in the day and Boxing Day.
Preparations are well underway. In 2015, Joy and Nigel’s granddaughter, Victoria Ellis then aged only 15 took over the running of the event. The organising committee of Victoria, her mum Claire Ellis and chef Mark Shire have been joined this year by Jessica Nixon, 16, from Dauntseys School.
Victoria told marlborough.news: “People don’t realise how much is involved and we are grateful to all our sponsors and volunteers who help to make the event happen. When my grandparents took a step back in 2015 I took the big and daunting decision to take it over and keep the family connection. I have been involved behind the scenes since I was a toddler.”
This year Sumblers butchers have donated all the meat, Tesco all the vegetables, and Land and New Homes Network all the drinks. Event, Exhibition and Design have made a cash donation and numerous local businesses and organisations have donated raffle prizes. Marlborough Town Council do not charge for the use of the Town Hall.
“It would be great if we could receive a few more raffle prizes,” said Victoria, “it would be good to have enough prizes for each person at the lunch.”
“We’ve already got a lot of volunteers but there can never be too many. We are totally flexible, people can come and go as they like to fit around their own Christmas. Volunteers can help keep our guests company and we still need some help at 10 am on Christmas Eve to set up the Town Hall, decorating the room, laying the tables and any food preparation that is needed.”
Victoria said, “This lunch is not means tested, it’s not about being rich or poor. It is about coming together as a community to enjoy each other’s company as well as lots of food and drink! There’s always a really good buzz. People are so grateful for what we do and we just love doing it.”
If you would like to join the Christmas Day lunch and haven’t received an invite please collect a form to fill in from the Jubilee Centre or Mustard Seed. Transport can be arranged if required.
If you would like to volunteer phone Victoria Elllis on 07717107623 or email at victoria@Inhnetwork.co.uk