A FREE lunch for Manorbier residents over 65 was the first Christmas lunch the Giraldus Centre has hosted since opening in April 2023.
The free Christmas lunch on December 18 was attended by 85 senior citizens living in Manorbier, Manorbier Newton, Jameston and Lydstep, with 10 housebound members of the community receiving takeout meals.
Guests were welcomed with glasses of Bucks Fizz before tucking into roast turkey or mushroom and chestnut Wellington with roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, stuffing, button sprouts, peas, carrot batons, gravy and cranberry sauce.
A choice of desserts included Christmas pudding with brandy cream and Christmas trifle, followed by tea or coffee with a mince pie and brandy or port.
After enjoying their lunch, the guests were entertained by the children from Manorbier Community School performing parts of their Christmas production. Then the Cockles and Mussels choir sang Christmas songs for everybody to sing along to.
The event also included a free raffles with lots of generous donations from people and businesses across the community.
The event was supported by Castlemead Hotel, Manorbier Castle, Castle Inn, Manorbier Community Council, Jameston Community Association, Andrew Rees, Upton Farm, Celtic Wines, Coors, Grandiflora, Phil Kidney and the Giraldus Centre.
Comments from people attending included:
“A big thank you. It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon - so well organised with lovely food”, “I have had a lovely time catching up with friends and neighbours”, “the food was amazing and the atmosphere fantastic”, “I found it all really quite a humbling occasion”, and “What a super dinner, thank you all so much.”