PREPARATIONS are under way for a festive meal to be laid on for older residents in the borough.
A Wokingham charity dedicated to reducing loneliness through its friendship scheme is getting ready to give older people in the borough a happy and sociable community Christmas Day lunch.
The group’s befriending scheme has been linking volunteers with older people for regular visits, for 25 years.
They provide a festive meal for borough guests on Christmas day, and community activities and parties throughout the year.
Liz McDaniel from Link, said: ” Our Christmas Party will include sing-a-long with carols, afternoon tea, craft activities and a quiz, ending with a Christmas Day lunch.
“All our Link Friends receive gifts and a card as well.”
Comments received by the charity show how valuable the Christmas lunch is: “I’m so grateful to the Link for the care and kindness during a difficult, lonely time in my life.
“I am truly amazed by what you do. Thank you.” from a Link Friend.
And: “Sophie has been refusing help and struggling with her mental health but she was immensely touched by the food and gifts, and was particularly taken with the lovely blanket, which is by her side constantly.
“It helped her get through a particularly difficult day.
“The work you do is absolutely invaluable.” from a senior social worker.
Two events in November will help to raise funds for the lunch which brings together people who could otherwise spend Christmas Day alone.
Booking is now open for a charity curry night, and a brush painting party.
The meal will take place at The Tamarind Tree, in Wokingham on Tuesday, November 7.
Doors open at 6pm, with the meal from 6.30pm until 8.30pm.
The two course, starter and main, meal costs £20, with visitors able to purchase drinks from the bar.
The over 18s painting evening will take place at Kings Place, on Station Road, on Thursday, November 30 at 7pm.
Participants will be able to unleash their inner Van Gogh, and produce a painting to take away with them.
All equipment necessary is provided by the organisers, including a canvas, paint, brushes, and aprons.
The event costs £36.46, with drinks and snacks purchasable on the night.
People are asked to bring cash to the events, which will both include a raffle.
To book tickets for the curry night, visit: www.linkvisiting.org and search for news/curry
For the painting evening, visit: www.linkvisiting.org and look in ‘news’.
People not able to attend either of these events can still contribute to the charity’s fundraising Christmas appeal, by visiting: www.localgiving.org and search for link visiting.
