Monday, Dec 26, 2016
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Community Christmas lunch organisers Ann Allott (left) and Greer Rickets share a giggle as they prepare to welcome an expected 140 guests. PHOTO LINDA CLARKE 251216-LC-002
Sharing Christmas spirit with others BY LINDA CLARKE
LINDA.C@THEGUARDIAN.CO.NZ
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People turning up to a community Christmas lunch in Ashburton yesterday were greeted with wide smiles and the aroma of delicious festive food that was on the menu. The carpark of the Sinclair Centre was full, with around 140 people attending and inside, people of all ages tucked into a hearty lunch. Christmas carols were also on the menu, as was a visit by the man of the day Santa. Volunteer organisers Ann Allott and Greer Rickets have served together at the lunch for many years, bringing a laugh and plenty of joy as well as stage-managing the event to make sure people had plenty to eat as well as good company. They ensured yesterday’s lunch went off without a hitch. The Sinclair Centre was dressed up for
the occasion, with 16 trestle tables with all the trappings of the season. The servery was manned by a team of volunteers, young and old, who dished out roast turkey, lamb, ham and a host of vegetables. Ashburton Mayor Donna Favel also stopped by to say a special thanks to the volunteers and to those attending. Allott, who has been helping organise the Christmas lunches for nine years, said it might be her last and she was moving to Peel Forest. She said it was a day people on their own could share with others and be part of the festive occasion. It was also a day for families. Christmas lunches have been running in Ashburton since 2004, when the first one was organised by the New Life Church. It is now a huge event with a team of at least 30 volunteers on the day, executing
the careful planning of a special organising committee. The community donates both food and money to make it happen. Among those involved in the preparations this year was Dan Lysaght, from the All Fed Up catering company. It was his fourth lunch and he said it was a pleasure to be part of the team. “I absolutely love doing it – it’s great to be able to give back something to the community,” Lysaght said. “This is the real magic of Christmas.” Lysaght was up early yesterday, putting 14 legs of lamb and three hams into the spit roasters at about 7.30am; they accompanied rolled roast turkey that was served cold. The volunteer team had already prepared new potatoes, peas and carrots needed to feed 140 guests. The main course was followed by dessert, with pavlova, fruit salad and berries.
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