Test Valley group offering free Christmas lunch for anyone spending 25th alone

Donations are still needed

Author: Sophie CridlandPublished 20th Dec 2021
Last updated 20th Dec 2021

Anyone who is spending the day alone, single people and couples, are welcome to come along to the Lockerley & East Dean village hall for a free Christmas lunch.

The idea was started by Nick Turner who is paying for the dinner. He lives in one of the neighbouring villages and runs a care company called Right at Home Mid Hampshire.

Amy Boiles is organising the day; she says the group have had lots of donations so far.

“We are doing this to being smiles to people’s faces, even if we could help 20 people not be alone on Christmas day that would be amazing.

“The transport is free. a lot of people especially the elderly, if they don't drive will rule themselves out so lots of people have volunteered to say no we can pick up people.

“So between volunteers and people that close together we can try and overcome obstacles that people have.”

The meal is being funded but the team still need some donations, so far they have been given Christmas crackers, boxes of mince pies, turkey, bags of potatoes and they have even been given a Christmas tree to decorate the hall with.

“People can have a nice drink, glass of wine or non alcoholic. Lots of chatter a couple of volunteers are bringing their dogs along, some people are bringing cheese and crackers and hopefully people will leave with a nice little gift bag and Christmas card to make everyone feel really special and included and supported I guess.

“If you know of someone like a neighbour or old family friend who has no friends and family and are struggling and need a nice pick me up then tell them to come along.

“We just need to find people to attend now, we want the hall to be as full as possible!”

For anyone wanting to go to the meal, volunteer or if you know of someone that would like to, contact Amy on the Facebook post above.