A GROUP in Neston will be hosting their annual Christmas Day dinner so no one is "on their own at Christmas".

Neston Community Christmas Dinner was formed eight years ago by a couple of ex-Sainsbury’s Neston colleagues, Louise Irvine and Emily Spearing, along with family members Andy Irvine and David Truelove.

The team had volunteered at the Salvation Army and been involved in fund raising for the Charles Thompson’s Mission in Birkenhead as well as the local MHA Live at Home lunch club scheme.

Speaking to the Globe, Louise said: "We had noted that Neston didn't have a homeless problem as such but it did have a loneliness problem.

"We found that there were lots of people in Neston and the surrounding villages who were on their own at Christmas.

"We set about organising a Christmas Day dinner for anybody on their own for no charge and organised transport for those who needed it."

The scheme is totally funded by donations and apart from missing one year due to pandemic when they dropped off hampers to many of the regular Christmas Day guests, they have provided a full turkey dinner to many lonely people in the area since 2015.

2023 plans

Louise added: "This year we are very lucky to be able to use the function suite at the Cricket Club in Parkgate as well as having the services of Maggie Brown who runs Top That Cakes to help us out with the catering. 

"We have many volunteers to help on the day and the new vicar from Neston Parish Church; Father Kevin Crinks has offered to attend as well as Daniel Wakefield, the church organist, will come along with his keyboard and help us sing a few carols too.

"It’s always a great social occasion and wonderful to see people meeting old friends and new."

Neston Community Christmas Dinner can cater for up to 30 people but they need to know numbers soon. Anybody living in Neston and surrounding villages is welcome to contact Louise on 0151 936 6630 or email louiseirvine111@icloud.com.