ORGANISERS of Chipping Sodbury’s now annual Big Lunch are planning a festive celebration this Christmas.

The invite-only event is being specifically aimed at elderly and vulnerable residents who are not members of a group or church congregation and would otherwise not have a party to attend this Christmas.

It will take place in the Old Grammar School Rooms on High Street on Tuesday, December 9 and will include musical entertainment, gifts from Father Christmas and home-baked savoury and sweet treats.

Alexandra Womack, chairman of the Chipping Sodbury Big Lunch committee, said the event followed the success of the main Big Lunch which is held annually in June.

“We have had three fantastic Big Lunches which have been free to everyone to attend,” she said.

“Now we want to provide something for those people who find it hard to get out and about and may be living very lonely lives in our community.

“We know there are people in the area who live alone, who can’t get out very often and, particularly at Christmas, may feel very isolated. It is those residents we want to invite to join us for a completely free afternoon of festivities and food.”

She added: “Data protection makes it difficult for us to find these people so we are asking for nominations from the community.

“Do you have an elderly or disabled neighbour who lives alone? Have you relatives in the area who rarely get out? Do you know someone who can go days without seeing another person? We would love to hear from you.”

Transportation for guests may be provided. Donations of food are being sought and any helpers who would like to serve teas and coffees on the day are welcome.

The Big Lunch is a national initiative started by the Eden Project in Cornwall and aimed at connecting people and bringing communities together. Big lunches take place annually on the first Sunday of every June and next year’s Chipping Sodbury Big Lunch is planned for Sunday, June 7 in Broad Street.

To help in any way contact the Chipping Sodbury Big Lunch Facebook page, tweet to CSBigLunch or email alexandra.womack@hotmail.co.uk