Golf World Stansted hosts festive free lunch for second year running for deserving people in the community

Golf World Stansted is once again reaching out to those deserving of a Christmas treat by hosting a free festive lunch paid for by donations from the community.

The ‘buy a seat at the table’ initiative launched by the club in Hall Road, Elsenham, last year proved so successful that club manager Joanne Maton has launched the appeal again. The table will be set for up to 60 people on December 17.

And thanks to generous donations already flooding in, she is also hoping that extra money raised can also go towards helping families struggling with finances at this time of year.

“After the success of last year I want to do the same this year, just bigger, in the hope to reach more people that need support,” said Joanne.

“We have been taking donations from people who would like to ‘Buy A Seat’ for someone who needs an extra sprinkle of Christmas love. The donations that we have received go towards our two-part project.

“On December 17 we are hosting a Christmas Feast and we are inviting 50-60 people to join us. Although I haven’t set any strict criteria for the guests we are hosting, a majority of them are either elderly, widowed or simply lonely. In my time at the club I have built relationships with a number of people in the community and I understand their circumstances well. An invitation, no matter how big or small, reminds them that they matter.

“I have also given invitations to our local council leader Cllr Petrina Lees (Uttlesford District Council) and she is also going to invite people that she feels would benefit and appreciate the thought. Karen who runs our local post office knows people in the community that we at Golf World don’t. I thought it would be a nice idea for her to have some invitations to offer people that we can’t reach.”

Cllr Lees, who represents Elsenham and Henham on the district council, and fellow ward member Cllr Bianca Donald, have also volunteered to help wash up at the lunch.

The club’s ladies’ section is making fudge for every guest to take home with them while several suppliers have donated food and wine for the event. There will also be musicians performing on the day.

Joanne added: “The fact that we are receiving all this help means we have more money to go towards the more silent parts of the project.

“I know that so many local families are struggling financially and can’t afford bills or food, let alone presents for their children. All money raised will go to local families struggling in silence, hopefully helping in some small way.

“I want to remind people that they are not on their own, there is someone fighting for them without knowing who they are, and without conditions or expectations. I always tell my staff that it is the smallest acts of kindness that make the world a better and less ugly place and that starts with them.”

Donations should be dropped off in person at the club.