Volunteers serve up a Christmas Day treat in Barnard Castle

SELFLESS volunteers made it a Christmas dinner to remember for the third year running.
No fewer than 34 free lunches were served at St Mary’s Parish Hall, in Barnard Castle, on Sunday before a special musical performance by two talented youngsters.
Started by the Barnard Castle Meet Committee in 2014, the festive lunch saw a change of venue this year after The Hub was unavailable.
Organiser Shona Robinson said a last minute push for volunteers saw extra pairs of hands join the team on Christmas morning.
She added: “It was absolutely brilliant – we had about 30 people altogether. The Parish Hall looked fantastic when it was decorated.”
Town mayor Cllr John Blissett popped by for a chat with guests before a special performance from young harpist Joshua Greenwell and his sister Seren.
Ms Robinson said: “They asked their mum and dad if they could come along and they did a 25 minute spot – it was lovely.
“Joshua played the harp while Seren sang Silent Night – there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”
Cllr Blissett, who called at lunch as part of a number of Christmas Day visits, said: “The community dinner at the Parish Hall, that truly needs a mention. What a wonderful spread they put on for their guests.”
With chefs thin on the ground this year, Eggleston sausage-maker, Steve Chestnut, stepped into the kitchen with a raft of volunteers.
“We had some fantastic feedback and had about eight volunteers turn up on the day,” said Ms Robinson.
“They cleaned up, dished up food and got stuck in – they were all there for the duration.”
The day was capped off with Play Your Cards Right and The Generation Game, courtesy of Anne Pearson.
Ms Robinson added: “It went like clockwork and it was lovely to see everyone’s faces – we’re looking forward to next year if we do it again.”