Salvation Army lunch brings people together
BRINGING people together at Christmas was the aim of the Salvation Army’s annual Christmas lunch.
More than 40 guests attended the Christmas lunch, hosted by Major Andrew Daiper-Clausen.
‘The Salvation Army provides some company for people on Christmas Day,’ he said.
‘We start the day with a carol service before sitting down for lunch and the day closes with the King’s speech at three.’
He said that preparation for the day had been going on since the end of September.
‘That’s when people start ringing saying they’re coming, but a lot of the time it’s the case that we don’t usually know who is coming until a few days before.’
This year’s numbers were slightly up on last year, despite having had some people pull out at the last minute due to illness.
‘It has been a very nice day,’ said guest Ruth Ogier.
‘I think things like this are important because as we get older sometimes people end up on their own, so having something organised to make sure people have some good company on Christmas Day is important.’
More than 20 volunteers helped to serve and host tables. Deputy Lester Queripel was among them.
‘This is my 14th year doing it and there is always a great atmosphere,’ he said.
‘You see a lot of people returning, and there are always new faces.
‘Bringing people together – that’s the beauty of it, as well as the terrific atmosphere.’
