On Christmas Day Ely Cathedral hosted 130 people to a full Christmas lunch with all the trimmings
This is the eighth year the Cathedral has put on a Christmas Day lunch for those who are in need or lonely or just want to celebrate with others and enjoy being part of a community on this very special day.
The lunch is entirely organised by volunteers who give their time to help prepare and serve food, cook, decorate the Lady Chapel and collect any donations from local suppliers.
Sally Ann Ford, a member of Cathedral staff, has been involved in the Christmas Day lunch from the beginning. “This lunch is able to take place every year because of people in the community giving their time and their skills to make it all happen. There are so many people we should be thanking, it is impossible to name everyone however I should like to particularly acknowledge one of our Cathedral volunteers, Tabatha, who keeps us all organised and focused. We really cannot thank everyone enough for all the food donations and the gifts we received. As a result are able to donate cash to other local charities. Finally we should also thank those who came along and enjoyed the lunch, the atmosphere was amazing”.
The lunch, which consisted of roast turkey with all the trimmings, was cooked on site in The Almonry restaurant kitchens Cathedral team by Gareth and Rachel, from Crucial Cuisine in Cambridge, with the support of Adrian Scarlett, Cathedral Catering Manager.
Members of Histon WI popped in with gifts for everyone and volunteers and guests were also treated to Christmas good wishes in person from Lucy Frazier MP and the Mayor of Ely, Mike Rouse.
However all did not go exactly to plan. A power cut presented problems for washing up and lighting but by sheer luck there was an electrician on hand, Steve Ellis, who was able to sort the problem just in time!
Press release from Ely Cathedral
Photos thanks to James Billings
