Lonely, isolated and people living alone in Bury St Edmunds were given a festive shot in the arm when they were invited to the Gatehouse charity’s annual Christmas lunch.
Held at St Benedict’s Catholic School, in Beetons Way, Bury St Edmunds, it was attended by 144 people from across the town.
There was the usual traditional meal served up for the guests by the scores of volunteers and helpers who attended which also included George Vestey, the High Sheriff of Suffolk, and Margaret Marks, the mayor of St Edmundsbury.
Amanda Bloomfield, Gatehouse CEO, said in total 75 volunteers, from drivers and cooks to waiting staff and entertainers, had helped with the day which she said was organised for people who may have had to spend Christmas Day alone.
The mayor said she was “privileged” to attend the event and added: “These things do not just happen and Gatehouse looks after people all year round.
“They organise this Christmas lunch so lovingly and willingly. The next time I will come as a volunteer.”
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