About 50 people gathered in Workington on Christmas Day to celebrate with good food and good company.
The annual Christmas in Company event has run for decades, having been launched by town resident Evelyn Adams to provide companionship for people who would otherwise be on their own for the day.
This was the second year it had been held at St Mary’s Westfield Community Centre.
Guests had the option of attending a Christmas Day service in the neighbouring church to begin proceedings, or chatting over tea, coffee and festive treats.
A three-course Christmas dinner was laid on with food supplied by Energus and cooked by guest chef Mark Armstrong, of Whitehaven-based New Eden Coffee Roasters, who gave his time for free and donated coffee for the event.
There was music, singing and a festive quiz, and Workington mayor Neil Schofield called in to wish guests a merry Christmas.
The event was rounded off with the King’s Speech and guests received gift bags to take home, which included home-baked cakes from Will Livingstone, items donated by local supermarkets, and Christmas cards made by pupils of Ashfield Infant and Nursery School.
Christmas in Company is now run by a committee under the umbrella of Churches Together in Workington and District, with support from across the wider community.
It is made possible thanks to the support of a team of volunteers who give up their time on Christmas Day, and some in the run-up to the event, to make it happen.
Serving hot dinners was made easier this year thanks to funding from Cumberland Council for hot lamps, which can also be used year-round for church-run events around the town.
Guests and volunteers alike enjoyed the involvement of Selena and Vivian from Taiwan and Lily-Beth from Whitehaven, interns on church placements in West Cumbria, who also provided musical support.
Organisers thanked everyone who supported the event, including Cumberland Council, Energus, Workington Town Council, Cumbria Community Transport, Inspire
Community Choir, Dr John Sherwen’s charity, St Mary’s Church, Gospatric Lodge, Tesco, Morrisons, Asda, New Eden Coffee Roasters, Hills Books Ltd, Ashfield Infant and Nursery School, Marks & Spencer and individuals.
Valerie Hallard of the organising committee, said: “We are delighted that, thanks to the kindness and generosity of so many people and organisations, we have been able to bring people together for Christmas Day again.
“We were glad to include Will Livingstone, our longstanding volunteer caterer, as an honoured guest this year, due to illness. He had nonetheless baked a selection of cakes for guests to take home for tea!
“Christmas time and winter in general can be particularly challenging for people who are on their own and we are pleased to have been able to offer a great day in good company.”
To find out more about Christmas in Company and how to get involved email christmasincompany@gmail.com
