60 GUESTS from across Gillingham enjoyed a Christmas lunch with all the trimmings thanks to the generosity of the community.

The Gillingham Christmas Community Lunch returned for 2024 at the Scout hut in Milton-on-Stour after it took a hiatus in 2023.

Businesses and volunteers donated items and their time to ensure the guests who may have been isolated on Christmas Day could enjoy a Christmas lunch with others this year.

“It was a joyous occasion, made possible by the incredible generosity of local businesses and individuals, who donated both their time and everything we needed,” a Gillingham Community Christmas Lunch Team spokesperson said.

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Volunteers stepped up on Christmas Eve to make sure all the prep was done in time Picture: Gillingham Christmas Community Lunch Team

“Particular thanks go to Bob Messer, who organised the lunch, Suzan Walker, from Carlink, who organised transport to and from the venue, and our amazing chef, Vicky Adamson, who was ably assisted in the kitchen by Tina Higgins and Phil Hurst.

“All of them worked incredibly hard and deserve full credit for its success.

“None of this could have happened without the wonderful team of volunteers, two families of three generations among them, who came along on Christmas Eve to prepare the vegetables, decorate the hall and lay the tables.

“The whole session was great fun, and the hall looked splendid when the guests arrived next day.”

On Christmas Day, volunteers welcomed guests, served drinks and lunch, cleared away, and cheerfully washed dishes and scoured pots and pans.

“There was a very warm, festive atmosphere, and we were particularly pleased that the Gillingham Mayor, councillor Roger Weeks, and his deputy, cllr Fiona Cullen, came along to chat with our guests,” a spokesperson added.

Carol singing Picture: Gillingham Christmas Community Lunch Team

“After lunch, Liz Dewer and Deacon Mike Turnbull led some rousing carol singing, and when it was time to leave, each guest chose a gift from the huge pile generously donated by Kilmington & Stour Women’s Institute.

“On Boxing Day, another team of volunteers came to give the hut a thorough clean. In all, some 30 people gave up part of their Christmas to help us, and we hope they know how much we, and our guests, appreciated it.

“This was truly a community effort, and we have a lot of local businesses to thank for their contributions.”

Businesses involved included:

• Three Rivers Partnership, who provided administrative support
• Riversmeet, who provide storage space
• Lee Downers Butchers
• The Gillingham Co-op
• Waitrose
• Johnson/Stalbridge Linen
• Riverside Garage
• Victoria O’Brien Cakes, Bakes & Catering
• ASDA
• Plant World
• Orchard Park
• Chaffers Estate Agents
• Read’s Charity