The 2018 Christmas meal for the elderly and members of the community that would be alone on Christmas Day was made possible once again by The Ross-on-Wye Lions Club and EnviroAbility.

The day was a great success and 75 meals were prepared and served, including 11 home deliveries to those that were unable to make it to the Larruperz Centre.

Hot meals are sent out with volunteers, some of these being members or friends of the Ross Lions, who transport the meal to the individual’s house. On arrival they serve up the dinner along with a Christmas cracker, a present and a mini bottle of wine.

When possible the volunteers like to stay and have a chat so the individual has had some friendly contact on Christmas Day.

The Ross Lions said: “Ross Lions are proud to sponsor the Christmas Day Lunch and members were pleased to help by taking meals to those who were unable to leave their homes to join in”.

Help came from many among the Ross Community, Antony Humble – one of The King’s Head’s Chefs volunteered to cook the dinner this year, The Ross Action Bus supplied the minibus to transport people to and from the Larruperz Centre and Age Concern for their continued involvement. Again, the support from local businesses has played a big part of the meal being able to happen, with J.P.Produce donating all of the vegetables and potatoes, Ross Garden Store donating potted plants as a gift for all the guests.

Kind donations were accepted for the event from PGL and the Ross Phoenix Singers.

Sam Humble from EnviroAbility said “Everyone who came to the event said they thought there was a friendly, fun and welcoming atmosphere. I would like to give a special thank you to the volunteers who gave up their time to be a part of making the day so special, for so many. We all look forward to seeing you again later on this year”.

A local that sat down to eat said: “It was a delightful gathering, the food was delicious and there was great company on a day I would have usually been spent alone.”

A regular volunteer said: “I’ve always loved helping out at the meal, I thought this year, the atmosphere was extra special, everyone was so relaxed and looked like they were having such a great time. It was the best one yet, I look forward to making sure that next year is even better”.