Community Christmas Dinner is a joyous occasion!

On Christmas Day 2022, a caring group of local residents hosted a free festive dinner for anyone who would have been alone on this special day. Leading the plans was family members Heather, Gill and Christine and on Boxing Day, Heather says ...

"Together we created something beautiful! Our eldest dinner guest was 97, our youngest was 10, our youngest volunteer was just 9. We catered to over 90 people in need and had around 40 volunteers over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Every guest left with a bag full of gifts. with things to keep them warm over winter. they left with a full tummy and smiles on their faces. We had one of our guests brought his guitar and did us some live music while we tidied up. People arrived nervous and left beaming!

15 guest were picked up and taken home , 39 people supported the just giving page raising £1180. We received a turkey donation off Dock Street Butchers and another off Heron Foods. One lovely gent who would like to stay anonymous donate towards the food, Scotch Bakery made us 50 delicious mince pies.

The cooks Christine Johnstone and Gillian Ward worked SO hard in the kitchen producing the most delicious traditional 3 course Christmas Dinner for all!

The volunteers were phenomenal taking significant time out of their Christmas day to serve, peel, chopped, wash up, make brews, take orders, collect guests, and deliver food to people physically unable to leave the house. Thanks to St Wulstans and Father Alf for your help with the venue and supporting our guests. Thanks to Fleetwood Gym FC U12 Wyverns for giving your time on Xmas eve.

Heather also wanted to thank (among others) : Leanne Goodfellow, the residents of Lighthouse View, Karen Nicholson, Karen Boylan, FBK Cafe, Mens Shed Fleetwood, One Stop Poulton, Healthier Fleetwood, The Chill Lounge, Debbie Butler, Scarletts Cocktail Bar, Russell Haldane Trust, Becca Murdoch, Rebecca Blyth, The Mount View Practice, Cath Mckenna, Fleetwood Social Prescribers - Wendy Taylor and Wendy Wood and everyone!"

After the event several people who attended and supported the event have shared their thoughts ...

Well done for all those involved .you are all amazing giving people on there own a Christmas dinner. You all deserve a medal for your dedication . You are all brilliant and give Fleetwood community a lovely town who cares .

Absolutely fabulous and well done to everyone who volunteered … you are all amazing

Huge thanks to Heather, Gill, Christine and everyone involved in this incredible community effort.