CHIPPING Sodbury is to hold its second annual Christmas Big Lunch event for the elderly.

The first festive lunch took place last December and saw vulnerable, isolated and elderly residents who would not otherwise go to any kind of Christmas gathering join together for a fun-filled afternoon of food, carol singing and Christmas cheer.

The invite-only event, an extension of the Big Lunch committee’s main community event every June, will again take place this year in the Old Grammar School Rooms on High Street on Monday, November 23.

This year guests will be able to enjoy a hot roast dinner, puddings and mince pies along with musical entertainment from local singings, school choirs, a visit from Father Christmas and a raffle. The entire event is free funded by donations from local companies and run by volunteers.

Chipping Sodbury Big Lunch committee chairman Alexandra Womack said: “Last year’s Christmas event was such a lovely day, I think our volunteers helping out enjoyed it as much as our guests.

“There was a wonderful community atmosphere, something the Big Lunch tries really hard to achieve, and we have been asked by numerous groups and individuals to hold it again this year.”

She added: “We have had four fantastic Big Lunches which have been free for the whole community to attend.

“The Christmas event is our chance to help 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.”

Nominations are now open for guests.

“Do you have an elderly or disabled neighbour who lives alone?,” said Alexandra.

“Data protection can make it difficult for us to find the people we know would benefit from coming so if you know someone who can go days without seeing another person or have a relative who would like to come, 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 5 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