Delicious Christmas dinner to be served up

Franci Silva and Pat Moses have fun preparing the Christmas Cake slices for the goody bags.

This year’s Motueka Community Christmas Dinner has become more environmentally friendly as they aim to reduce plastic use and waste.

For the first time guests will receive a fabric reusable bag created by members of the local Crafty Tarts, Alsco have donated cloth tablecloths, glass drinking glasses kindly donated by Super Liquor replace the usual plastic ones, paper entrée plates replace the plastic plates and The Warehouse unpacked the donated Christmas Crackers as they have better crushing and disposal systems.

Preparations are well underway for the free Christmas Dinner that will take place in the Motueka Memorial Hall from 11.30am2pm on Wednesday, 25 December.

Around 50 people have registered to date and organisers are encouraging people to get their registrations in so they have a clear idea of numbers prior to the big day. Register in person at the Community House or the Salvation Army Store. Alternatively phone Peter 528 5089 or text Linda 021 797267.

Places are limited and usually the Dinner attracts around 200 people including volunteers.

This year’s guests will be treated to another fabulous menu that starts with an entrée of savoury tart served with a side salad. For the main course a warm glazed ham will be carved, cold stuffed chicken breast served along with new potatoes, minted peas, baby carrots with butter and parsley and a beetroot and feta salad.

Fresh local berries and icecream will accompany apple strudel for dessert topped off with cream, and of course tea and coffee and Christmas cake. Gluten free diets and vegetarians are also catered for.