Cafe offers free Christmas dinner to former Intersurgical staff

Paula Gilbert and her family run Gilbert’s Community Cafe at Le Grand Courtil, and reacted quickly to bring some Christmas cheer after the recent factory closure.

Head chef, and Paula’s son, Dieter Hurst, was the first to suggest offering to organise a party for those affected.

‘I have a close friend who works there and he was shocked when it happened,’ he said.

‘It was sprung on them, even management didn’t know it was happening until the day. I suggested giving them Christmas dinner to mum and she thought it was a great idea.’

Miss Gilbert said it was personal experience that had made her reach out and offer to help.

‘I’ve been made redundant near Christmas, years ago when my kids were young, and it’s tough. We wanted to give them one more chance to get together. It will be roast turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings.’

The Christmas party is in the diary for the 23 December – the date of the company’s normal annual celebration.

Over half of Intersurgical’s 90-plus workforce are due to attend.

Since they announced their plan on Tuesday the family have been overwhelmed by offers of help.

‘I feel it’s brought Guernsey together,’ said Miss Guilbert.

‘We’ve had offers of balloons for the tables and people offering to wait tables and wash up. We’ve just had Lambourne taxis on the phone, offering to run a free shuttle service from the cafe to town after the dinner. As far as I’m concerned it’s the more help the merrier.’

One of the people who offered their services was actually working at the medical manufacturer when the sad news was announced.

Chris LeVallee is a part time DJ with entertainers Party-On, but was also a mould shop manager, who had been with Intersurgical for 15 years.

He is currently part of the closure team shutting down the factory.

‘When Dieter mentioned doing the party, I immediately offered to do the entertainment,’ he said.

‘It’s awesome the way everyone is offering to help and I wanted to do my bit as part of the farewell.

‘It was a shock to the system when the announcement was made and still is.

‘It was a family sort of factory with everyone looking out for each other.

‘Unfortunately I won’t be able to turn to DJing full time.

‘I’m looking for other work, but I’m optimistic. Guernsey’s good at supporting each other.’

As well as the dinner, the Gilbert’s Cafe will be holding a raffle, with all the proceeds going to Cheshire homes, Guernsey’s care facility for those suffering with severe physical disabilities.

Miss Gilbert said they had already been offered some exciting raffle prizes but would be happy to be offered more.

‘We’d be up for more donations. Just get in touch.

‘It’s turned into a right party now, and it’s got me excited to party too.’