A SUPERMARKET in Chipping Sodbury is helping to fund a festive event for lonely elderly residents of the town.

Waitrose has handed over £343 in cheques and gift cards to the Chipping Sodbury Big Lunch committee, which is hosting its second Christmas lunch for people who are unable to leave their homes regularly or would not otherwise go to a party this festive season.

The money is a share of a monthly donation of £1,000 to good causes in the area through Waitrose’s Community Matters scheme.

Chipping Sodbury Big Lunch chairman Alexandra Womack said: “We are so grateful to Waitrose Chipping Sodbury for including our event in their Community Matters scheme in October.

“This money will go a long way in helping us provide up to 40 very lonely, often isolated elderly residents a full roast turkey dinner and a chance to chat to our many volunteers who will be helping on the day.”

She added: “Last year was our first Christmas lunch and everyone said what a lovely event it was with a wonderful community atmosphere.

“We are sure that will be the case again and are looking forward to welcoming our guests.”

Bluebird Care is also supporting the invite-only lunch, on Monday, November 23 in the Old Grammar School Rooms, with a grant of £250.

The event will see town mayor Cllr Paddy Smith make a visit in his office chains and as Father Christmas when he will hand out gifts to guests. Raysfield Infant School choir will perform on stage and there will be carol singing and a free raffle.

Shirley Carmichael, Waitrose Community Matters champion at the Chipping Sodbury store, said: “We are thrilled to support the Chipping Sodbury Big Christmas Lunch.

“It is a lovely community event which gives elderly people who would not otherwise get to a Christmas party something to look forward to. It is exactly the type of community event Waitrose is happy to support.”

The Chipping Sodbury Big Lunch’s main event for the whole community is held in Broad Street on the first Sunday of every June. Next year it takes place on Sunday, June 5. For further information search Chipping Sodbury Big Lunch on Facebook or email alexandra.womack@hotmail.co.uk