Salvation Army caters for 50

THE Salvation Army provided meals for nearly 50 people on Christmas Day.

On kitchen duty for the Salvation Army Lunch were, left to right, Monica Savident, Andrew Hyde and Julie Hyde. (Pictures by Sophie Rabey, 31607889)

Some had food delivered to their homes, while the remainder dined together at the organisation’s L’Islet headquarters.

The day began with a carol service and there was after-lunch entertainment, including the King’s speech, shown on TV, after which guests were given goodies to take home.

‘People come from all walks of life – some for food and some for company – and we all have a good time together,’ said Major Andrew Diaper-Clausen, officer in charge of the Salvation Army in Guernsey.

Wilma Nicolle, who was volunteering at the Salvation Army for the first time today, delivering meals to people in the community. (31607895)

‘We’re flying by the seat of our pants a bit because some people have had to cancel because of sickness, while others have only signed up today, but we’re flexible and we’ll help anyone who has nowhere else to go at Christmas.’

Numbers had not returned to pre-Covid levels and Major Diaper-Clausen said he believed that some people were still reluctant to go in to crowded places, even if they were well.

Wilma Nicolle, who volunteers at Bulstrode House and Jubilee House, was helping at the event for the first time.

‘I lost my husband four years ago and it helps me to help others,’ she said.

‘I enjoy it very much.’

Brenda Le Marchant said she would otherwise have been on her own on Christmas Day.

‘I’m not part of the Salvation Army, though I do volunteer at the charity shop on the Bridge on Mondays,’ she said.

‘I like the social side and it’s nice to meet up with others even if you hardly know them.’

Susan Le Prevost said she too would have been on her own, and her sister arranged for her to go to the Salvation Army, which she had done now for the past two or three years on Christmas Day.

‘They look after everybody really well,’ she said.

Sandra Langlois, left, and Marilyn Torode. (31607891)

Marilyn Torode was attending for the first time through her connections with Age Concern at St Stephen’s. One friend with her was Phyllis Warry who was attending the event for the fourth time.

‘I’d be on my own otherwise as my son and daughter-in-law are on holiday in Madeira,’ she said.

‘This is always a beautiful afternoon out and the food is better than what you would get at a hotel.’