Lunches held on Christmas Day means no one need spend the day alone
People in Wokingham and Reading are working hard to ensure that anyone who wants to enjoy Christmas Day in a friendly atmosphere will find a room at the inn.
The Salvation Army in Wokingham will provide a Christmas morning breakfast between 9am and 10.30am at its Sturges Road headquarters.
“When people arrive we will cook them a lovely full English breakfast,” said Lt Nicola Muir, from the Army. “For Christmas lunch we are joining with others at the Cantley Lodge Hotel.”
Sharon Elliott, from Faith in the Community, said: “The Christmas Day lunch is being organised by The Link Visiting Scheme, Faith in the Community, Katie Palmer of the Earley Charity and the management of the Cantley Lodge Hotel.
“A fantastic couple, Ros and Ralph Hardy, have volunteered for the second year running to co-ordinate the entire event which is a mammoth task.
“The event couldn’t happen without an army of volunteers who collect guests from their homes and take them home after the lunch, plus the volunteers who assist with the preparation and serving of the lunch.
“We make sure that everyone who attends the lunch has someone to talk to.”
And there’s also entertainment including a quiz and live music.
Sharon added: “This year we are looking for a musical volunteer who can help us sing some carols during the lunch.
“It wouldn’t be Christmas without presents, so every guest takes home a Christmas present donated by local churches and volunteers.”
Around 70 people are expected, mostly older people, but younger guests are welcome.
Festivities start at noon and go on until 3pm and transport can be provided.
The Salvation Army in Reading are also busy arranging Christmas Day cheer.
There will be a community Christmas dinner at the Salvation Army, 522 Oxford Road, Reading (opposite Brock Barracks). It starts at 9am and continues to 3pm.
“Come in for a cup of tea to start the day,” said Christiaan Bijl, Community Development Manager at The Salvation Army. “There will be a short service with Christmas carols around the tree and then a full Christmas Dinner.
“After the meal there will be entertainment, fun and games.
“Christmas is for everyone. Why not spend it with us?”
The event is free, but limited to 60 places.
For details or to book call for the Reading event, call Lt Kenneth Guest on 07944 709916 or Christiaan on 0118 958 3019.
If you would like to go to the Cantley Lodge Hotel, Wokingham on Christmas Day contact Ros and Ralph Hardy on 0780 522 9515 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Last modified on Wednesday, 03 December 2014 10:20
