Special festive lunch held for lonely Kirkby folk

The Kirkby Community Christmas was the brainchild of Pip Forbes, who enlisted the help of other kind-hearted volunteers in order to put on a three-course festive lunch.

It was aimed at elderly folk who were set to spend Christmas alone and held in the hall at The Homesteads.

Pip said: “The idea to provide something for lonely adults on Christmas Day has been in my head for a few years. I initially thought of a small group, that I would be able to cater for unaided.

“I floated the idea amongst my friends on Facebook, asking for help in preparing it or to buy the odd Brussel sprout and the idea grew as more people volunteered help and goods.”

The team of volunteers raised the cash needed to hold the event and around 30 guests attended the dinner, including one lady who is housebound and had not left her home for two years.

Ella Dalby (95) said, “It was wonderful gesture from Pip and her helpers. We had a lovely time, a beautiful meal and had the opportunity to meet many friends I had not seen for a long time.

“I cannot thank Pip enough for such a lovely day, I will certainly be there next year.”

Added Pip: “Although no one knew each other on arrival, they had a wonderful day together, which would have otherwise been spent alone and in some cases, without a celebration of any kind.”