Around 50 people gathered in Workington to enjoy a day of festive cheer at Christmas in Company.
The Christmas Day event took place at St Mary’s Westfield Parish Centre, providing welcome companionship, food and fun for people who would otherwise be on their own on this key date.
Many guests chose to attend the Christmas Day service in the adjoining St Mary’s Church, while others chatted and got to know each other next door.
Guests were then visited by Councillor Sean Melton, who represents Westfield ward on Workington Town Council and delivered chocolates on behalf of town mayor David Farrar.
They enjoyed a three-course Christmas dinner, with food donated by Energus and cooked by chef Mark Armstrong, of Shiloh Coffee Roasters and New Eden Coffee Roasters.
In the afternoon guests enjoyed a fun quiz, joined in with Christmas carols and had the chance to watch the King’s Speech before heading home with some small gifts.
Meals were delivered to a number of planned guests who were unable to attend on the day.
The event was supported by Energus, St Mary’s Westfield, Workington Derwent Rotary Club, Cumbria Community Transport, Shiloh Coffee Roasters, New Eden Coffee Roasters and individual donors.
Pupils of Ashfield Infant and Nursery School made Christmas cards for the guests.
Christmas in Company was founded by Evelyn Adams in 1990 and in recent years has been organised by Churches Together in Workington and District.
Rick Hallard, a member of the organising committee, said: “It is good to be able to continue Ev’s legacy by providing a warm and welcoming place for people to get together and enjoy Christmas Day.
“This is the fourth year the event has been organised by the committee and we are pleased to have been able to welcome new faces both to the organising and volunteer teams, and the guest list, this year.
“We are very grateful to the organisations and individuals who provided financial or practical support to the event, and the volunteers who gave their time to make the event happen. Without this support, the event would not be possible.”
Anyone interested in helping with next year’s event is invited to contact the organising team at [email protected]
