A COMMUNITY Christmas lunch is returning to Gillingham this year to make sure those who may be isolated over the Christmas period can join in with festivities.

The popular community lunch didn’t go ahead in 2023, as the organisation of the event proved “too difficult a challenge”.

But the team behind the community lunch is back in action this year thanks to the support of Three Rivers Partnership and Gillingham Car Link, and they have also appointed a new-look management team.

This now means 50 residents will be able to tuck into a Christmas lunch on the big day – with all the trimmings.

For those unable to drive, the Gillingham Car Link is available to provide transport, which means people from the Shaftsbury and Mere areas can also be included.

The lunch will be held at Scout Hut in Milton-on-Stour, which has ample parking.

“Christmas can be a difficult time of year for some people, and the team especially wishes to encourage those who are lonely, isolated, vulnerable or struggling financially to come along,” said Barbara Hurst from the Gillingham Community Christmas Lunch team.

Couples and carers are welcome too.

The Gillingham Christmas Lunch team in 2022 Picture: Gillingham Christmas Lunch

Ms Hurst added: “Several local businesses have shown extraordinary generosity, donating food and other essentials, and community donations of money will be put to very good use.

“Most important is the contribution of the many wonderful volunteers who will be giving their time on Christmas Eve, for preparations, on Christmas Day, cooking, serving and driving, and on Boxing Day for clean-up.

“It will truly be a community event.

“Guests will be served a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, or a vegetarian option, and there will be a choice of desserts.

“Entertainment will be provided, and each guest will leave with a Christmas gift.”

To book your place, collect an application form from Gillingham Town Hall, Mere Post Office, Coffee & Canines, Eden Café, Gillingham Library and Gillingham’s churches.

Alternatively, forms can be requested via christmaslunch@threeriversgillingham.org.