Burnham-On-Sea’s Mayor has praised a group of volunteers who organised a Christmas Day lunch for 27 local people who would have been alone on the big day.
A group of residents came together to organise Monday’s special event at Burnham Methodist Church in College Street, pictured here.
Organisers Marion Hance and Carolanne Palmer said they were delighted with how the lunch had run and thanked local businesses for their donations, which enabled it to happen.
Mayor and Mayoress Bill and Frances Hancock visited the team, along with Deputy Mayor Andy Brewer and Town Crier Alistair Murray.
“It’s always so sad to hear about people being alone on Christmas Day when everyone else is celebrating, so we decided to hold a community lunch just for them,” Marion told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“We were so pleased to have the support of a big group of volunteers, who gave up their Christmas Day to help and get involved.”
“The 27 people who came along enjoyed a turkey, beef or lamb lunch with all the trimmings plus Christmas pudding and a ‘goody bag’ with cake to take home with them.”
“Everyone really enjoyed themselves and several new friendships were formed.”
She said support from local businesses had been “wonderful,” thanking Gardiner Whites for giving vegetables, Berrow Beef for meats, Chatterbox for Christmas puddings, Cafe Aroma for mince pies, and Asda for a cash donation.
Mayor Cllr Bill Hancock said he was impressed by the community spirit on show. “The close-knit community spirit was wonderful — a small group of volunteers made the Christmases of these people who would otherwise have been alone. Very well done to all involved.”
Cllr Andy Brewer added: “This was Burnham’s community at its very best.”
One of the meal recipients, Dee, said having the lunch and companionship on Christmas Day had been “fantastic,” adding: “It was such a brilliant afternoon. Last year when I was alone, I had cheese on toast for my Christmas Day meal.”
