Company at Christmas: 50 people enjoy turkey dinner, Christmas cake tea party and festive entertainment at Bishop's Stortford Methodist Church
A "sumptuous" turkey dinner with trimmings was served in Bishop's Stortford on Christmas Day to 50 people who would otherwise have been alone for the day.
The annual Company at Christmas event was held for the first time in three years at the Methodist Church in South Street. Fifty hot meals and gifts were also delivered to guests in their own homes by volunteer drivers.
Company at Christmas chairman Jenny Klincke said: "We are delighted to be able to come together again at the Oasis Lounge, giving those in our local community who would otherwise be on their own the opportunity to be part of a large, happy, festive occasion."
Methodist minister the Rev Gill Hulme welcomed everyone and said grace at the opening of the festivities, before guests tucked into their meals, helped by 20 volunteers.
After dinner, an afternoon of entertainment arranged by Paul Burrell took place, with carol singing, local young instrumentalists, a solo singer and a new poem by Margaret Fox about the history of kings leading to King Charles III.
The televised King's speech was shown and was followed by professional entertainer Miguel Olivares-Alvares performing songs by Michael Bublé.
The afternoon was rounded off with a Christmas cake tea party, during which two more guests arrived: Stortford mayor Cllr Dave Anderson, who served all the guests, and Father Christmas, with gifts for everyone, before guests were taken home.
Jenny added: "The Company at Christmas committee would like to say a huge thank you to all the helpers and drivers who volunteered on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to help us set up and run the event, and to our many donors, including our Herts county councillors and the Brazier Trust.
"The committee is made up of representatives of Stortford churches and other friends, and we always welcome new volunteers, given that not everyone is able to help us every year."
There will be a fundraising coffee morning at the Methodist Church on Saturday (January 7), from 10am to midday, where some of the guests' other supporters will be welcomed.
* If you have photos of an event that you would like to be considered for publication in the Bishop's Stortford Independent, please email photos@stortfordindie.co.uk.
