New venue for Barnard Castle's Christmas Day community lunch

PEOPLE from across Teesdale are being invited to a free Christmas lunch for the third year running.
Started by Barnard Castle Meet committee in 2014, the annual community meal attracts a crowd of about 40 people who enjoy quizzes, carols and a traditional Christmas feast.
However, this year will see the feast moved a new venue.
Organiser Sheila Hammond said: “The Hub is closing for Christmas, which is unfortunate because it is such a great venue, but the vicar of St Mary’s said we can use the Parish Hall. We have the potential to make it look very Christmassy and cosy.”
Another loss for the community lunch is that the chefs who prepared the food in the past are unable to help out this year, so volunteers with catering experience are stepping in to prepare the meal.
Ms Hammond said the committee would welcome anyone else who would like to help prepare the food or to decorate the hall.
She added: “We would like the volunteers to enjoy the community meal with us.”
Shops, businesses and individuals are being encouraged to donate food and gifts for the free party.
Ms Hammond added added: “Bring it on, let’s have as much as we can. We have volunteers to make hampers of the leftovers and we will give it to anyone who feels it would help.”
As well as the entertainment that includes a quiz, raffles and carol singing, there may also be a some live folk music.
People are being encouraged to let the committee know in advance if they want to attend so transport can be arranged for those in far flung parts of Teesdale who might otherwise struggle to get to the town.
Ms Hammond said: “The meal is open to anyone who would like to have more company this Christmas, really, anybody is welcome. We had something like 40 people sitting down to eat last year, but we would hope that now that we are in the centre of town we would have 40 to 50.
“We would love for people to come along and do a bit of decorating and stay for the meal.”
People who want to join the meal, volunteer or give a donation can contact Shona Robinson at Oliver Twists sandwich bar, or call her on 07947 150569.