PREPARATIONS are being made in an upper dale village to serve up free Christmas cheer to those in need.
Volunteers in Middleton-in-Teesdale are gearing up for the village’s third free Christmas day lunch, which will be open to all at The Pathway.
Former chef Charles Kirkbride is one of the event’s organisers and he will be cooking up a three-course festive lunch for the community.
Mr Kirkbride, who lives in the village, said: “I have always spent Christmas on my own. The Christmas hype really gets me.
“The amount of money that has to be spent to make this day perfect is complete nonsense.”
He added: “This is a non-religious event. It is open to all. You don’t have to be a member of the church. It is for anyone who will be on their own at Christmas.
“There is no need for anyone in this village to be on their own at Christmas. This is a community area and it is open for everyone on Christmas day.”
Guests will be given the choice of parma ham and melon salad, caramelised onion tart with brie or gluten free roast peppers to start.
For the main course, turkey stuffed with honey-soaked oranges will be served with all the trimmings and orange and ginger cream or gravy.
There will also be a variety of puddings to choose from.
Mr Kirkbride said: “It is a community, open to all project.
“It is a happy event for all those who want to take part. If you are in need in the village on Christmas day, everywhere is shut down.
“We need to have these doors open. The least we can do is feed people and make sure they are okay.”
Mr Kirkbride added: “Last year was fantastic. We did 35 meals plus volunteers. We got enough donations to start preparing for this year without me panicking.”
Food donations from the village’s Co-op store and support from Utass help to make the event a success.
Although a small team of volunteers have also offered to help on the day, more hands are needed to help make the day the best it can be. All volunteers will be given the chance to sit down and enjoy a free meal.
Mr Kirkbride said: “I have got a few volunteers but I could do with a few more.
“I need people to help plate up the food, serve the food and to help look after everyone. If someone can give a bit of time, it makes such a difference to so many people. It is such a big thing to give up your Christmas day. Even if it is an hour or two, it is still an important hour or two for those here.”
The Pathway will be open from 11am till 6pm. Soup and sandwiches with hot drinks will be served on the afternoon. For those not wishing to attend the communal lunch, food parcels will be available to collect.
Pianist Matthew Ruddock will also be playing festive tunes throughout the day.
Mr Kirkbride added: “Doing this, I get to see and have dinner with a lot of great people and that is an absolute pleasure.”
Anyone who would like to attend the event should contact Mr Kirkbride on 07555 266392.
