Christmas Lunch for the Elderly

On 1 December, a special Christmas meal was held by Christ’s Hospital Community Club for the elderly. It was the first time the Community Club had met since February 2020 due to the pandemic so it was wonderful to see so many familiar faces again.

A full Christmas lunch was enjoyed by 60 guests, including groups from local sheltered accommodation. They were joined by pupils from Christ’s Hospital who spent time with the group, eating and chatting with them.

Olivia Hawkins who currently runs the CH Community Action Programme said of the event: “One of the key features of the programme has always been the fellowship and support mutually offered by members which explains why it is such a popular feature. Many thanks to Caroline Lumley for organising the event and the staff and pupils who hosted, ran the raffle and the quiz.  The raffle raised £120 which is being donated to Horsham Matters (a local foodbank charity).”

Community Action has been organised at CH since 1987 and although Covid has placed restrictions on visits out of school, around 60 senior pupils (Years 10–13) voluntarily participate in the programme each week. More than 20 different placements are organised on a weekly basis throughout the academic year including nursery schools, primary schools and residential homes for the elderly.