Melksham’s big Christmas Day get-together

140 guests were treated to a full Christmas dinner at the Core Church’s ninth annual Community Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day at Melksham Assembly Hall.

The guests and volunteer helpers were served a three-course meal that included a choice of soups, roast turkey with all the trimmings and a selection of puddings before finishing with tea, coffee and mince pies.

“Please can I take the opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to, or was involved in any way,” said organiser Gavin Owen from the Core Church.

“We couldn’t hold the event at all without a venue and we are grateful to Tim, Kirsty and Dan of Melksham Assembly Hall who each gave up part of their Christmas Day to be with us and to Melksham Town Council for allowing us to use the building and all its facilities.

“The venue would be of little use if we had no dinner to serve and we cannot say a big enough thank you to ID Newman and Sons, Butchers, who yet again provided us with all of the turkey.

“For the third year running we were treated to fabulous desserts made by Angela of Food Glorious Food – nobody makes cheesecake and gateaux like Angela! This year was the first time that we haven’t had to buy any drinks – every bottle and carton was generously donated by members of the public.

“So too were a Christmas cake, biscuits, cranberry sauce, savoury snacks, after dinner mints and all of the cleaning materials we needed! We also received a number of cash donations which we used to buy the rest of the food as well as more serving dishes and cutlery to accommodate the record numbers attending.

“The Melksham Slimming World groups very kindly donated all the proceeds of their Christmas raffle and gave us a selection of items for us to give to our guests. Venue, food, drinks and presents – wonderful, but you’ve still got to get people there and we couldn’t have done that without the help of Leszan Travel, a long-standing supporter of the event – we salute you!

“Our thanks to the Melksham News for the prominent coverage of the event – twice on the front page and once on the centre page – undoubtedly one of the reasons why so many attended. Finally, thank you to all those who volunteered as a server and ensured that the needs of everyone at their table were met.

“I’m sorry if I’ve failed to thank anyone but it is wonderful to have so much support that I’m in danger of forgetting someone.

“The birth of Christ was marked by the appearance of a star, this year many Christmas stars shone brightly in Melksham. Next year will be the tenth running of the event. I haven’t decided yet how we will mark the anniversary, but I am certain I won’t be celebrating alone!”