Hammersmith hotel to host Christmas lunch for 500 grateful pensioners once more
By Adrian Zorzut, Local Democracy Service
The annual Christmas lunch for lonely pensioners in Hammersmith and Fulham and is expected to welcome in 500 residents.
The long-running event will take place at the Novotel London West Hotel in Shortlands, Hammersmith.
The day is completely free and includes a two-course meal, mince pies, and a Santa goodies bag, as well as free transport to and from the event.
Residents can nominate a relative, friend or neighbour over the age of 60 who would otherwise be celebrating Christmas alone this year.
Deputy Hammersmith and Fulham council leader Ben Coleman said: “It’s fantastic that we are having Christmas lunch with our older residents in person once again.
“And I’m delighted to hear that those who took part in our Christmas lunch deliveries in 2021 are joining us for a proper celebration this year.”
The festive bash, which is run by Hammersmith and Fulham council and volunteers, is a lifeline for the many elderly residents expected to spend the festive season without loved ones.
Lifelong resident Del Harding, 77, is coming back for his second serving after deciding it was too far to visit his son in Belfast this year.
He lives in a sheltered complex for low-income residents in Shepherd’s Bush.
He said: “The lunches are brilliant, they really look after you. Last year the food was excellent, there’s nothing like a delicious Christmas dinner in good company. We’ve been through a lot with this pandemic, so it’s nice to get back to normal.”
Del’s neighbour, John Davis, 72, attended last year’s lunch and is intending to make it again.
He said: “It really brightened my day. It was excellent food, and I didn’t realise it was going to be that good to be honest.
“I’m looking forward to the Big H&F Christmas Day Lunch. It’ll be nice to get out and see people and have lunch at the hotel and including transport on the day is perfect.”
Canadian Angus Goldie, 80, added that last year he really enjoyed the “special Christmas nosh”.
“It’s very nice to have this free Christmas dinner and going out for the lunch will be great fun.”
Application for a spot closed on Sunday, although places are still open for volunteers and donations, which can be accessed on the council’s website.
Pictured top: Local residents Baharati Patel, Celenita Ortega and Marietta Fortescue at the 2019 Hammersmith & Fulham Christmas Day bash. (Picture: LDRS)
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That must have been a very effective Christmas celebration for them. pensioners can talk to each other about their past working hours and their daily lives, it will definitely give them a good time