Record-breaking Bideford Christmas Day lunch hailed as the best ever

The annual Bideford Community Christmas Day Lunch has been hailed as the best yet, with record-breaking attendance numbers and massive support from volunteers.

The event at Bideford Rugby Club was started in 2021 to provide a warm, welcoming and inclusive full festive lunch for anyone who might otherwise have spent Christmas Day alone.

Guests enjoyed a beautifully-decorated hall, festive tables, light entertainment and a traditional three-course roast dinner followed by pudding. Each also received a gift, generously donated by members of the community.

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Above and below: A good number of volunteers gave up their time on Christmas Day to ensure the Bideford lunch was a success. Credit: Lindsay Mcfarlane

Rose Young-French, who organises the event, said: “For me it is always a complete joy to work alongside the volunteers to plan, deliver and host the Christmas Day Lunch. I start the preparations in September.

“I’m very focused in this role and this year, after taking a year out, I found that I was super excited to be bringing this important event to our community.

“The occasion is an opportunity to meet with so many amazing people. It is no surprise to me this event has grown year-on-year. So many of us feel a chronic sense of loneliness and social isolation; many of us do not even know our neighbours. The essence of the Christmas Day Lunch is building a sense of community – one where everyone can feel safe, meet others and enjoy a truly special day.

“Our appreciative thanks go to Bideford Rugby Club as the venue host for all their support.”

Above: Guests enjoying the Bideford Community Christmas Day Lunch. Credit: Lindsay Mcfarlane

Organisers reported a significant increase in the number of guests this year, as well as a rise in the number of volunteers willing to give their time on Christmas Day.

Generous members of the community also donated funds and gifts, while Badger Van Hire also ensured a popular lift service continued by donating the use of two minibuses to help guests with transport or mobility issues get to the lunch.

There was also a home delivery service so those unable to attend in person were not forgotten.

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This year will mark the fifth year of the Bideford Community Christmas Day Lunch. Plans are already underway to make it a celebration milestone, with hopes to secure larger premises and additional funding to meet growing demand.

Rose added: “On behalf of the Bideford Community Christmas Lunch team, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all our supporters and volunteers who helped make the event another successful one.

“Your kindness and generosity is greatly appreciated by all.”