By Lynn Broom, co-organiser of the Gillingham Community Christmas Meal

Every year Gillingham puts on a Christmas meal on Christmas Day for everyone, including families in Gillingham and surrounding areas who would like to attend. The planning for this year’s event has started.

The food and all associated requirements are supplied by generous local companies and members of the local community. This year we are currently looking for a chef and premises to prepare and cook the meal. We also need all the associated Christmas accoutrements. In previous years local schools have provided cards, badges and decorations and local companies and individuals have provided cakes and services.

We invite guests via many local agencies but if you, or someone you know, would like to attend please contact us for more information. We can provide transport to and from the Meal and we can even provide home delivered meals for anyone who is unable to attend for any reason.

The event relies on volunteers in the run up to Christmas, setting up on Christmas Eve and welcoming guests on Christmas Day. If you, or anyone you know, would like to help please contact us with your availability and contact details.

Gifts (no alcohol please) can be donated to our guests. Please spend up to £7.50 per item and wrap it including a label as to whether it is for a man or woman.  Gifts can be dropped off at designated drop off points which will be announced on our facebook page as they are confirmed. If you are able to provide a drop off point, please contact us.

Our first planning meeting will be at 7.30pm on Friday 8th November at the Gillingham Community Rooms opposite Waitrose. Anyone interested in volunteering is welcome to attend.

Updates will appear on our facebook page ‘The Gillingham Community Christmas Meal’. We can be contacted via our facebook page, by email at ‘gillinghamchristmasmeal@gmail.com’, by phone to Fran on 01747 823699 or to Lynn on 07990972412.