A woman from Buckinghamshire who has cooks free Christmas lunch for hundreds of people who would otherwise be on their own has described the tradition as a 'lovely' demonstration of community spirit.
Julie Lyons, 62, began cooking Christmas Day lunch for her neighbours in Marlow who were on their own 15 years ago when, after her divorce, she found herself without her children and at a loose end.
Since then, she has recruited a team of volunteers each festive season to help her generate enough funds to transport, cook lunch for and give presents to anyone in need, free of charge.
Last year's event was hosted at Marlow Rowing Club, with donations from The Duke, Crafty Tap, Britwell Salome Farm Shop and Timpsons Butchers, among others, helping to make the day feel special.
Based on current numbers, Julie said this year's meal is likely to be one of the smallest on record, which she acknowledged is by no means a bad thing, as it means some families are making an extra effort to spend time with their relatives in the wake of the isolating COVID pandemic.
"Someone who turned 100 this year said they'd been 'summoned' by family, but he actually rang me up and said, 'I know where I'd rather be!'. It's lovely if people can see their families for Christmas, but I'm also very happy that we can do something meaningful for those who can't or don't have any family left.
READ MORE: Pre-made roasties and fried Christmas pudding: Tom Kerridge's top tips for Christmas
"The thought of anyone on their own at Christmas is just horrible. Last year, we had a mum and her seven-year-old son and we have some people who don't feel comfortable travelling or who live abroad and can't get to their families.
"I would never refuse anyone, and what's lovely is that we usually have lots of children volunteering to help out on the day. Marlow is a very good community like that, and it's a way for people to feel that they're giving back."
This Monday's lunch will be especially poignant for Julie, whose father, who helped to serve food at last year's event, has since passed away, but she is nevertheless committed to providing the annual service that so many in the area have come to rely upon.
"It's lovely for people just to have someone to talk to. That's the essence of it, really, and that's why it's so important that we keep doing it."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel