A small team of dedicated volunteers are gearing themselves up to provide a traditional Christmas dinner to over a hundred people on Christmas Day this year. This not only includes all the spud peeling, table laying, hanging of decorations and checking that the television works for the Queen’s speech, but they also make sure that the all-important guests have a lift there and back should they need one.

For over thirty years Hove Methodist Church in Portland Road has been opening its doors and inviting to lunch those that may, for whatever reason, find themselves on their own at Christmas. This year is no different.

There can be many reasons why someone finds themselves alone over the Christmas period and some of these reasons will be very complex, while others very straightforward. A lot can happen in twelve months and someone that was busy making plans for a house full of people and festive cheer this time last year might not be doing so now.

It is perfectly possible that some people would be content with such a situation and just prefer to keep themselves to themselves, but for those that would not be happy alone, there is a warm invitation from those at Hove Methodist Church to share some of the joys of Christmas Day with others.

Anyone wishing to book their place at the Christmas dinner table should contact the church on 01273 324600 for more details. Please get in touch as soon as possible, ideally before December 1st, to avoid disappointment.

As with any organisation that relies on people giving up their free time, the volunteers at the church would always appreciate a little extra help. If there is anything you think that you can contribute to their Christmas Day celebrations, whether it is to offer to be one of their drivers to provide lifts to the guests, helping out in the kitchen, providing some of the entertainment or just being a general lifter and shifter, please get in touch on 01273 324600.