FERNHILL House care home has teamed up with a local church to open its doors on Christmas Day to older people who would otherwise be spending it alone.
The home will be serving a five-course festive meal with wine to single and widowed over 65s living in the parish who are unable to spend the day with friends or family.
There will be sherry, bucks fizz and Christmas carols performed in the friendship room, a dining room designed for private events.
The home’s manager Peta Mandleberg said: “Christmas can be an incredibly lonely time for many people.
“Those living on their own – particularly if they are elderly or have lost a husband or wife – can find the day unbearable.
“We all know how damaging loneliness can be and don’t want to think that anyone living near our home should spend the day on their own.”
Vicar Rev Jo Musson, added: “I was so overwhelmed at the kindness of Peta’s offer that I was moved to tears when she first mentioned it to me.
“For me, this act of kindness and compassion reflects the true spirit of Christmas that Jesus demonstrated throughout his life: that we think of others before ourselves, and that we share what we have with those less fortunate.”
There are few spaces left so if anyone knows of a local elderly person who might otherwise be alone on Christmas Day call Jo on 01905 780200.
