The
Saturday 21st December
Sit down meal
merrist wood college, woodys, restaurant
worplesdon, guildford gu3 3pe
arrive 1pm for lunch at 1:30pm
massive thanks to activate learning for donating the venue, especially Paul newman / gary headland and all the staff at merrist wood.
Tuesday 24th December
Delivery within a 10 mile radius of Guildford on Christmas eve
Last year we cooked an amazing 567 meals for people from all walks of life. We would like to thank all the helpers and sponsors because this would not happen if it was not for you.
WHY do we do it ?
We have a family tradition that we set a spare place at our Christmas table, either for someone who passed away that year or for a stranger passing by. Some time ago, our daughter Mia-Isabella said that it was silly to have an empty place when there was always food left over. She suggested that we offer the place to someone alone and elderly, or homeless. So five years ago we did just that, still keeping an empty place to meet our tradition, and we subsequently shared our Christmas lunches with three strangers.
Then five years ago our daughter pointed out that there must be other people who would like to be invited and it was then that my wife Marta suggested a Christmas Day lunch in the Jacobs Well Village Hall, which has a capacity of 100. This event has had to change due to the pandemic and instead of hosting we have delivered meals to homes. Last year 2021 we delivered 382 meals in total. We do hope to be able to host again once we can be given a venue to host.
Matt, who owns a computer business, said he thoroughly enjoys cooking and finds it relaxing, but admitted with a smile that he had never cooked for such a large number of guests before.
Why do people come ?
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Because they may otherwise be alone at Christmas, Because spending Christmas at home may be difficult for some, following a bereavement for example. Because thery may want to do something different Because they want to share the true meaning of Christmas with others. Because they may not have a home Because they are a student and away from family and friends
WHO
The FREE Christmas lunch is open to everyone.
Within a 10 mile radius of Guildford
Elderly, Alone, Students, Families, Anyone can attend it is not dependant on age or religious belief - everyone is welcome. This year we are delivering again as we cant get a venue.
All we ask is that you please contact us to let us know you want a meal delivered so we have some idea of numbers on the day.
COST - The meal costs nothing - your Christmas dinner is entirely FREE - paid for by the kind sponsorship by benefactors
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What should I expect ?
Main Course
Roast Turkey, Roast Potatoes, Pigs In Blankets, Carrots, Brussel Sprouts, Stuffing and of course gravy
Dessert
Mince Pies, Christmas Cake
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Who does the work ?
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Everything is organised by Marta, Matt, Mia-Isabella and Miki. The work is all carried out by a dedicated team of volunteers who put the event on Christmas Day. The diners are all cooked by Matt, Marta does all the organising, route planning and arranges sponsorship. Mia-Isabella helps preparing all the carrots, gravy, brussels etc. Miki helps on the day with logistics and boxing all the meals.
SPONSORS
 Vincent's Butchers |  Maye Brown Ltd |
|---|---|
 Sullivan Street Partners |  Squisito |
 Boz's Fruit and Veg |  Hydronix |
 Bentley Brown |  St Thomas of Canterbury School |
 Unigold 2000 Ltd |  Christmas Bakery |
 BBC Surrey |  Mandolay Hotel |
Some pictures from 2022 meal
