Ex-chef Charles Kirkbride is one of the organisers of the community-based project in Middleton-in-Teesdale which is offering a free Christmas lunch for those who may be expecting to face the festive period alone.
As well as once co-owning the renowned Plumed Horse, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Crossmichael in Scotland, Mr Kirkbride was also crowned Hotel Chef of the Year in the Scottish borders during his time at the Allanton Inn, near Berwick-upon-Tweed.
Now back in Middleton, he is putting his culinary skills to good use as he gets set to spend his Christmas Day cooking the community lunch with the help of Carol Ruddock.
Now back in Middleton, he is putting his culinary skills to good use as he gets set to spend his Christmas Day cooking the community lunch with the help of Carol Ruddock.
The 60-year-old said: “The event is the brainchild of Carol and Neil Ruddock. This is the second time we have done it. They decided last year to have a lunch for people on their own at Christmas. We have expanded it a bit this year. People living on their own can come along with a carer or people on their own who simply don’t have the means to cook Christmas lunch can come.”
The traditional roast dinner is being served at The Pathway at 1pm on Christmas Day.
Mr Kirkbride said: “It will be a quality lunch made from scratch with local turkey. There will be food alternatives as we are very keen to make sure everyone is catered for.
“Last year was a great day. They had turkey stuffed with apricots and all the trimmings. They loved it.”
The Pathway will remain open until 6pm to offer soup, mince pies and other refreshments for anyone who would like to pop by.
Pianist Matthew Ruddock will be playing festive tunes.
Mr Kirkbride said: “There is a need for it. It is a time of year when you should not be on your own.
“We’re not forcing people to come along but I don’t like thinking about people feeling sad that they are on their own at Christmas.”
Last year 20 guests were seated for lunch and soup was served to 20 people on the afternoon. Free food parcels will also be available again this year in the meeting room for those in need but don’t want to attend the communal lunch. Mr Kirkbride said: “The later part of the day is also church function for anyone who wants a quiet space or wants to go to church.”
The lunch has been made possible thanks to donations from local people, businesses and organisations including a bake sale at the Co-op.
He said: “We have been overwhelmed with the response this year. We have had a grant and an individual made a donation of £100. Along with the help of the Co-op and UTASS we have got enough money.”
Anyone who would like to help out on the day is welcome to get involved. Volunteers are also being sought to tidy the hall on December 27.
He added: “I don’t mind doing it because I spend Christmas on my own. Even if someone has just 20 minutes to drop in and say hello. It is such a valuable day to give up and it is heart-warming that people will do it.”
Call 01833 641211.
The traditional roast dinner is being served at The Pathway at 1pm on Christmas Day.
Mr Kirkbride said: “It will be a quality lunch made from scratch with local turkey. There will be food alternatives as we are very keen to make sure everyone is catered for.
“Last year was a great day. They had turkey stuffed with apricots and all the trimmings. They loved it.”
The Pathway will remain open until 6pm to offer soup, mince pies and other refreshments for anyone who would like to pop by.
Pianist Matthew Ruddock will be playing festive tunes.
Mr Kirkbride said: “There is a need for it. It is a time of year when you should not be on your own.
“We’re not forcing people to come along but I don’t like thinking about people feeling sad that they are on their own at Christmas.”
Last year 20 guests were seated for lunch and soup was served to 20 people on the afternoon. Free food parcels will also be available again this year in the meeting room for those in need but don’t want to attend the communal lunch. Mr Kirkbride said: “The later part of the day is also church function for anyone who wants a quiet space or wants to go to church.”
The lunch has been made possible thanks to donations from local people, businesses and organisations including a bake sale at the Co-op.
He said: “We have been overwhelmed with the response this year. We have had a grant and an individual made a donation of £100. Along with the help of the Co-op and UTASS we have got enough money.”
Anyone who would like to help out on the day is welcome to get involved. Volunteers are also being sought to tidy the hall on December 27.
He added: “I don’t mind doing it because I spend Christmas on my own. Even if someone has just 20 minutes to drop in and say hello. It is such a valuable day to give up and it is heart-warming that people will do it.”
Call 01833 641211.
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