Santa came early to the Lamb Inn at Eastcombe with manager Sarah Grundy stepping in for the big man whilst local elves contribute to provide food and shelter for the vulnerable, writes Johnny Grant.
Kind hearted Sarah had already set a warm space for both the elderly and vulnerable, including free tea, coffee and soup each Tuesday and Thursday, then she came up with what she describes as ‘a random idea’.
“What if we offer free Christmas dinner?” In doing so she decided to create a donation box and the locals really did step up to the plate.
“At first there was a donation of £50, then £40 and then out of the blue an anonymous donation blew my mind, £500!” said Sarah.
District Councillor Martin Brown praised Sarah’s efforts, saying: “It’s a great thing to do to bring the community together.”
While head chef Alex Smith dished up the food, local band, The Bob Porter Project served up the entertainment. With the local GPs having their annual meal and numerous families getting together, the warmth of the community’s kindness really warmed the room.
To top it off, just down the road the real Santa was taking a tour around the villages in a speedboat – he’s been wanting to air ever since he won it on Bullseye. Accompanied by the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service, youngsters all around were given gifts – all that was needed was some snow.
When the festivities end, the community is still welcome to join the warm space, where people enjoy playing games, some people like to knit or ‘just have a good old chinwag’.
If anyone would like to contribute towards the ongoing help for the elderly and the vulnerable, call Sarah on 01452770223 or just call in and have a nice natter.
