Who are you sharing Christmas with?

Transcription

1 Who are you sharing Christmas with? The Diocese of Guildford have compiled this directory of support available over the Christmas period in Surrey and North East Hampshire. Thank you to all those groups who have shared information about how they are helping to support people at this time of year. Christmas is a busy time of year, celebrating and spending time with family and friends. However, we know that this time of year can be difficult for some people. They may be lonely separated from family and friends, or vulnerable for other reasons. Note for Organisers: We have been advised by one lunch organiser that your local Waitrose may be able to provide support generally for groups who are providing lunch for those who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day. Other sources of information is tel and which both have a good listing of community events across the UK. Please share the information provided with those who may be on their own at Christmas and with those who may be looking for volunteering opportunities. If you know of another event, or are needing volunteers please do get in touch with the: Communities Engagement Team, Diocese of Guildford, Diocesan House, Quarry Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3XG tel: cet@cofeguildford.org.uk Compiled by:

2 Waverley The Haslemere Christmas Lunch is for those who would normally be alone on Christmas Day. Held at Haslewey Community Centre, Weyhill, Haslemere. Carols from 12:15 followed by a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. This is a free event and all are welcome. Transport may be possible however pre-booking is essential for both meal and transport. haslemerechristmaslunch@gmail.com Cranleigh Methodist Church (188 High Street, Cranleigh) will be holding the annual Community Christmas Tea with musical entertainment on Saturday 10th December, 2.30 pm. Free tickets from On Sunday 11th December we will be serving lunch following the Gift Service with Christingles. All welcome. St Nicolas Church are hosting a Christmas Day Lunch from 1pm - 4pm in the Church Rooms GU6 8AR. A free traditional dinner is given to 80 people who would normally be on their own this Christmas. There will be Carols, Entertainment and a present for everyone to take home. It is a community event sponsored by charities, local volunteers and businesses who kindly cover all expenditure. This is a popular annual event and if you would like to join us please call St Nicolas Church Office tel: Transport may be possible if requested when booking. St Nicolas are also holding their Christmas Tree Festival from 9th until 12th December The big community event enters its third year with nearly 40 brightly lit Christmas Trees representing businesses, schools, churches and families of the village filling the parish church. Music, refreshment, and activities which include a Festival Concert by students of Kings College London at 6.30pm on Saturday.

3 Churches Together in Farnham, Christmas Day Lunch starts at 1.00pm at The Gostrey Centre, East Street, Farnham GU9 7SB. The lunch is for people who live locally and who would otherwise spend Christmas Day on their own. Booking essential. To book a place please ring before 9th December; Mariola Boyd or Michael McDonnell Transport provided if required. There is no charge for lunch or transport. Volunteer helpers welcome (especially drivers). To volunteer please ring: Jo Rendall Alfold and Loxwood Parish are performing a Live Nativity at Alfold Sports & Social Club, from 3:30-6:00pm on Saturday 17th December Followed by Carol Singing, Mulled Wine and Mince Pies For further details from Church Office tel: alflox.parish.off@btinternet.com The Baptist Church in Ewhurst following their morning service at 10:30am they will be hosting the Village Christmas Day Lunch, for For more details please contact Simon Bodington, Minister, Ewhurst Baptist Church simon_bodington@yahoo.co.uk tel: The Street, Ewhurst, Surrey,GU6 7QA There will be a Prime Time Christmas Carol Service in Busbridge Church on Tuesday 13th December at 2.30pm for anyone over the age of 55 and is primarily a social activities group. It will be a traditional seasonal celebration followed by mulled wine and mince pies. Everyone is very welcome to attend. Penny is the Primetime Befriending Co-ordinator penny.naylor@bhcgodalming.org Or via Revd Simon Taylor tel: St John the Baptist, Brighton Rd, Godalming, GU7 1XA Churches Together in Godalming for many years has organised a Christmas Day Lunch at the Baptist Church for people who would otherwise spend the day on their own and it has proved very popular. Transport assistance may be possible for Godalming residents. After lunch there is entertainment and everyone is given a small gift. Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles, preparing food and setting tables on Christmas Eve, providing transport on Christmas Day, helping in the kitchen with serving and washing up, hosting on the day, providing entertainment and to clear away afterwards. Church Office tel : gwenwheatman@hotmail.co.uk Godalming Baptist Church, Queen Street, Godalming, GU7 1BA

4 Mole Valley St Nicolas Church, Great Bookham, run a friendship lunch to be held at 12 noon on Sunday 4 th December in St Nicolas Church Pastoral Centre (KT23 3PW). This lunch is a chance for those who would normally eat lunch alone to gather together, and these are held at various points in the year. There is a 5 per head fee which is payable on the door. Also they hold a coffee morning every Tuesday 10am-12noon (Tuesday coffee will run until December 20 th and then pick up again in the new year) in the Pastoral Centre which is open to all. All are welcome, more details can be found via the parish office. tel: office@stnicolasbookham.org.uk Fetcham Village Hall, The Street, Fetcham, KT22 9QS There will be a lunch for lonely, single, disadvantaged families on Christmas Day in Fetcham Village Hall. The Hall will be open from to 4.00 with the usual Christmas Dinner at Over the past few years there have been about 90 to 100 there. Volunteers are always needed either: Christmas Eve in the Hall to prepare vegetables and put out tables etc. Or on Christmas Day socialising with those present, serving food, clearing up etc. In the past this has been run by an organisation called Pitstop, but this year it is being co-ordinated by Graham Peddie Contact either: Pitstop enquiries@thepitstop.org.uk or Graham Peddie tel: St. George s Christian Centre, Barnett Wood Lane, Ashtead, KT21 2DA members of St George s congregation are again opening a place at their Christmas table over the festivities. They have their café open on 19, 20, 21 December for light lunches tea & coffees. Also are also running Evergreen our Social club for the over 75 s on the 14 th December To find out more please contact Jacqui Kershaw (Outreach for the elderly) Jacqueline.Kershaw@ashteadparish.org

5 Elmbridge Christmas Lunch in All Saints, Weston Green Church Hall is being held on Wednesday 28 th December at 12 noon. It is aimed at those who are on their own over the Christmas period and is a continuation of their monthly lunch held on the last Wednesday of each month aimed at those who live alone. Ian Whitley, Parish Missioner All Saints Church Weston Green tel: St Paul s East Molesey, Church Road, KT8 9DR are welcoming people to their Christmas lunch for all in the Parish room (next to the church) on Tuesday 6 th December at 12:30pm. The lunch will be preceded by a service of Holy Communion if you wish to attend. The meal of 2 courses followed by tea or coffee costs 5. Please ring Judy Lanaway to book on St Andrew Cobham is running, in partnership with Waitrose and Cobham Food Bank, a Christmas Day Lunch from 12 noon on Christmas Day, please contact them to book a place. All ages are invited to the event being held at: Church Gate House, Downside Bridge Road, Cobham KT11 3EJ They also host a monthly lunch club aimed primarily for those members of the parish who live on their own. They are usually on the second Friday of the month, with some variation depending when that falls. Advance booking is desirable. Please contact the Parish Office or further details. Why not also attend their 10:30am Said Communion then stay for coffee followed by lunch? Cobham Messy Church will be on 3 rd December 10:30am and is a great opportunity for families to enjoy and share a lunch. For more information please contact: Parish Office, Church Gate House, Downside Bridge Road, Cobham KT11 3EJ, Tel: parishoffice@standrewscobham.org.uk St Christopher s, Hinchley Wood, are holding a Christmas Lunch Together on Saturday 10 th December, pm at St Christopher s church hall, Claygate Lane, Hinchley Wood, KT10 0AQ. Cost 15 payable on the day. Please ring the parish office on to book a place. We also have a hearing aid clinic for those with NHS hearing aids immediately after the lunch. This will be in the church.

6 St Mary's Church Long Ditton are holding a Christmas Buffet Lunch (cost 8.00), 12.30pm on Monday 12th December in the community hall adjacent to the church. Children from the local Infant School will be singing carols and there will be a raffle for a Christmas Hamper. Booking is essential through Diana Jemmett. tel: diana.e.jemmett@btinternet.com St. Mary's Church Community Hall, Church Road, Long Ditton, KT6 5HH Holy Trinity Church, Claygate are hosting several events over the Christmas period, including Connections which is their weekly event for Seniors, running from 10am -11am every Tuesday in the Church. There is a constantly changing range of activities with everything from mini hand massages to craft activities and games as well as special interest tables put together by local guests. All are welcome for home-made cakes and fresh coffee and there is no charge! Please contact the church office if you know of anyone who will be on their own this Christmas and wherever possible we would arrange for them to be invited to a church member s home for Christmas lunch. Enquiries to Janet Watkins churchoffice@holytrinityclaygate.org.uk Holy Trinity Church, Church Road, Claygate KT10 0JP tel: Woking St John s West Byfleet, are holding a Community Christmas Lunch on Christmas Day. Members of the church will be cooking and serving lunch in the Cornerstone Centre on Christmas Day this year for those unable to spend the day with friends and family. They aim to have a relaxed and enjoyable day that includes a traditional lunch, a little carol singing, optional quizzes and lots of chatting. Guests are welcome from midday and they expect to conclude the event by 4.30pm. They are hoping to be able to help with transport where it is most needed. Although the lunch is being organised and hosted by St John s it is not exclusively or even especially for church members. It is to be a community lunch and so is offered to anyone living locally who might otherwise be alone on Christmas Day. Please christmaslunch@stjohnswestbyfleet.org.uk or contact the Parish Office on for further information or to express an interest in attending.

7 St Mary of Bethany Church, Mount Hermon Road, Woking GU22 7UH Talk Easy gives opportunity for non-native speakers of English to practice conversation in an informal, supportive and friendly environment. In our last session this term, on 15th December (1pm pm at St Mary of Bethany Church, Woking), we are sharing food and thinking about Christmas traditions. Contact talkeasywoking@gmail.com for more information. They are also hosting Christmas Chill Event on Saturday 10 December 10am 12.00noon - An opportunity to relax, enjoy some creative activities and reflect in preparation for Christmas. Christmas table decorations and a variety of paper crafts will be available to try and various ways to reflect on Christmas, or simply relax with coffee and cake and sit quietly escaping the bustle of December preparations. Please call St Mary of Bethany Church Office by Wednesday 7 December if you would like to book a place there is no charge, but they ask for donations on the day to cover the cost of materials and please bring and share any foliage, ribbon or festive bits and pieces that could be included in decorations. St Mary of Bethany Church Office tel: Open every day of the year, the Woking Safe Haven is a cafe-style drop-in centre. It is a comfortable safe space where you can talk through your problems, have a cuppa, a clinical assessment (if needed), and get support to find the solution that is in your best interests. It provides help for people of any age needing support with psychological problems, of ANY kind, and for their friends and family, who need advice with the situation. So whenever you feel things are getting too much, that you cannot cope or you are having a crisis, you can drop in to the Safe Haven, without making an appointment. Monday-Friday: 18:00-23:00 Weekends & Bank Holidays: 12:30-23:00 Woking Safe Haven, The Prop, 30 Goldsworth Park, Woking, GU21 6JT The Woking Lions are again holding, are hosting a free traditional Christmas lunch at the Moorcroft Day Centre in Woking GU22 9LY, for older people who are on their own at Christmas Guest booking required. Transport may be possible & Volunteers are needed. For bookings and further enquiries please contact : anneroberts3@ntlworld.com tel: St Mary of Bethany, Mount Hermon Road, Woking, GU22 7HU welcome everyone to their services over the Christmas period: 18 th December 6:30pm main carol service followed by mulled wine & minced pies 24 th December 3:30pm Crib service and 11pm Christmas Eve Communion 25 th December 8am Communion, 11am Family Celebration, Informal Communion For further information please call

8 Guildford FOOTSTEPS drop-in centre is open on Christmas Day in Guildford town centre at Beverley Hall in Haydon Place. Their aim is to help homeless and needy people in and around Guildford. They open for coffee and mince pies from am and serve a meal at 12.30pm, closing at 3pm. There is no need to pre-book. FOOTSTEPS is run solely with the help of volunteers who all give their time free of charge and do not claim any expenses. New volunteers and gifts of food and funding are always welcome. Beverley Hall Community Centre, 71 Haydon Place Guildford, GU1 4ND info@footsteps.org.uk New Life Baptist Church in Guildford are holding a Christmas Meal at 12pm in their Refresh Café, Railton Road, GU2 9LX At 10am they also have a special church service of joyful celebration - for all ages, followed by light refreshments. This personal invitation is especially for those who may find Christmas a little difficult, including those who are alone or feeling frail. At New Life Baptist Church, they want to celebrate this wonderful day by remembering Jesus who was born to parents who were very much alone and vulnerable. Booking is essential, so please call tel: St John's Church, Stoke Road, Guildford, GU1 1HB have a Christmas Outlook Lunch on Weds 7th Dec, for over 55s. There is a hot lunch & a short service in the church. It starts at 12.30pm & costs 3.50 per person. Also Women's social & craft evening Friday 9th December, 7.30pm. Mulled wine, mince pies & craft activities. Please notify the office if you wish to attend office@stjohnstoke.com or Messy Christmas is on Weds 14th Dec pm. For pre & primary school children & their families. Tea included, and finally their Christingle service is on Christmas Eve at 4pm. Please notify the office if you wish to attend the lunch, messy church or craft evening, or would like further information office@stjohnstoke.com or

9 St Nicholas Church, Guildford on Friday 30 th December are having Coffee & Cake from 10:30am which will be followed by a Festive Feast in their Community Centre, The Burys, GU2 4AW from 11:30 1:30pm. There is a small charge ( 3.50 for lunch, plus 1.50 for dessert) however booking is essential. They also hold a lunch on this basis in aid of USPG on the last Friday of every month, booking is also essential so they have an idea of numbers. Please contact them via parishoffice@saintnics.com or tel: Dray Court, Guildford: All Saints church, Guildford will be hosting a Christmas Carol Service on Wednesday 21st December, 2.30 pm, at Dray Court (Sheltered Housing for the Elderly), Guildford GU2 7UW. Anyone from the local community is welcome to join them. Revd Beverly Watson, Vicar of All Saints Guildford Compton Village Hall, Compton, GU3 1EG: are hosting a free Traditional Christmas Lunch, booking is required and it may be possible for transport to be arranged. For more information please contact: patriciaburnett1@aol.com tel: Emmanuel Church, Stoughton have two regular events which continue over the Christmas period. A club for retired people every Wednesday from 11am-12.30pm. 1 to cover refreshments etc. You can choose from a variety of activities, like table tennis, crafts, bowls, scrabble pool and triominoes (triangular dominoes) and even have some armchair exercise! If you d rather just sit and chat you are welcome to do that too. Also a Pensioners Lunch - On the second Monday each month (except August) from pm they invite those who are retired to come along for a two course lunch for You ll find plenty of people to chat with, good food and a nice relaxing atmosphere to enjoy. Please ring the Parish Office for more details. tel: parish.office@emmanuelchurch.co.uk Emmanuel Church, Emmanuel Church,1 Shepherds Lane, Guildford, GU2 9SJ St Lawrence Church, Effingham regularly conduct activities and these will continue over the festive period. These will include: Tuesday Teas - a gathering at the Catholic Church Hall, Lower Road Effingham on alternate Tuesdays - a donation of 1 is all that is required - details from Gill or Keith Walker Parish Pint (for the chaps!) Fourth Tuesday monthly at the Plough at 12 noon - contact Robert Hall Sunday Breakfast - a full English breakfast in the Bowdler Room, All Saints' Little Bookham on the fourth Sunday in the month details from Catherine Hall Christingle Service - Sunday 4th December 3.30pm St Lawrence Church details from Anne Bleming

10 Christmas 2016 at Canterbury Care Centre (mental health drop in centre) No booking required - all welcome Monday 12 th Dec Carol Service in Christ Church, Waterden Rd, GU1 2AZ at 1pm Normal opening throughout December (Mondays: 9.30am-3pm, Thursdays & Fridays: 9.30am - 1pm) Monday 26th Dec - closed Thursday 29th Dec - social drop in 10am - 12noon Friday 30th Dec - social drop in 10am - 12noon Monday 2nd Jan - social drop in 10am - 12noon Normal opening resumes Thursday 5th January The Canterbury Care Centre is in Church House, 23 Waterden Road, Guildford GU1 2AZ. tel: canterburycarecentre@yahoo.co.uk St Michael and All Angels Church, Pirbright have a number of events happening over the Christmas period: 7th Dec 10.15am Holy Communion service followed by Café Club. 10th Dec 4pm - Remembering Loved Ones at Christmas service, followed by tea. 11th Dec Christmas lunch - to book a place contact Barbara Douglas, rbdouguk@aol.com (places are limited) 16th Dec 2.15pm - Carol service for elderly residents, followed by tea. 17th Dec - delivering Christmas goodies to local people in need. If anyone would like transport to any Christmas services or events please, or would like more information please contact one of their churchwardens Catherine Cobley or Pauline Cannon Salvation Army Will have their normal drop in on Friday 23rd and 30th of December but will be closed, apart from these Fridays, over the Christmas period. Woodbridge Road, Guildford GU1 4QQ guildford@salvationarmy.org.uk tel: or Vaughan House in Guildford often have a Christmas meal on the where they could use some volunteers to help with serving lunch and doing games with residents. Vaughan House, Supported Housing, 5-7 Chertsey Street, Guildford, GU1 4HD tel: guildford.hostel@riverside.org.uk

11 Epsom & Ewell Churches together in Ewell are hosting a Christmas Day lunch at Ruxley Church, Ruxley Lane, Ewell. 'Together at Christmas Luncheon' will run from pm for those who might otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day. There is no charge for this lunch, (donations welcome) and transport will be provided if necessary. If you are interested or know of anyone who may be, please contact them at Christmas.dinner@dsl.pipex.com or tel: (evenings) (day) Epsom Methodist Church will be hosting Christmas Day Lunch which is via invitation only to those in the borough (and couples) who would otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day). They rely on local business support for donations of food etc but otherwise the Church fund this event. Transport may be possible, depending on needs but only within the borough of Epsom. We have a limited number of drivers so transport cannot always be guaranteed but they ll do their level best. Lunch is from until 4.00 p.m. With a little light entertainment in the afternoon and possibly a visit from Father Christmas! To book a place please contact Tony Blakeburn tony.blakeburn@ntlworld.com Epsom Methodist church tel: Reigate and Banstead Alone at Christmas? Banstead Methodist Church together with The United Church of St Mark (Tattenham Corner) will be hosting a Christmas Day lunch for anyone who finds themselves alone. Our day begins in the morning, when our guests are picked up from your home and transported to Banstead Methodist Church for the Christmas Day service. Afterwards there is some light entertainment before enjoying an excellent Christmas lunch when there is an opportunity to chat to the many other people. After watching the Queen s speech, we will transport them home with a packed tea and present. There will be no charge. Contacts: Janet Willock, The United Church of St. Mark, St Marks Road, Tel (01737) or Sara Watkins, Banstead Methodist Church, The Drive, Tel (01737)

12 Hart Victoria Hall, Hartley Witney RG27 8RE is hosting a Traditional Christmas lunch for all ages in the Community hall. To find out more or to book a place please call the number below. Please note the Closing date 20 December 2016 For more information please contact: Chris Cornwell tel: over55forum@yahoo.co.uk Churches Together in Fleet, supported by Fleet Town Council, are organising a lunch for 40 people from Fleet or Church Crookham on Christmas Day for those who are lonely and would otherwise be spending Christmas alone. The lunch will be held at The Harlington. If you would like to attend/know someone who would benefit from attending, then please contact: Revd Carol Dunk East Hampshire Petersfield Area Churches Petersfield Community Centre, Petersfield GU32 3EB are hosting a free Traditional Christmas lunch. It may be possible to arrange transport. Guest booking is required and volunteers are needed Closing date for bookings is 9 December 2016 For further information, please call Katie Wigley tel: st.peters_petersfield@btineternet.com

13 Runnymede The Village Centre, Englefield Green is again providing a Christmas lunch on 25th December at 1pm for anyone who is on their own or in need especially international students and the elderly. Under 18s will need to have provided advance notice of their name, age and a contact number. They may be able to collect someone from the local area too. For more details or to book Jayne Watson, Centre Manager, The Village Centre, Victoria Street, Englefield Green, TW20 0QX tel: villagecentremenager@gmail.com Egham St John's Church The St John's Christmas Kitchen will again be open again this year at Virginia Lodge, Station Road, Egham (opposite the Station) during the Christmas period of 19th to 26th Dec. They will be open from 10am to 2pm (possibly later depending on need) on the Monday to Saturday with hot drinks and a hot meal being served. They will also be open for lunch on Christmas Day and Boxing Day between 12 noon and 3pm and can arrange a lift for guests who wish to join them on those days and who rely on public transport. A traditional lunch will be served on Christmas Day and a hot meal will also be served on Boxing Day. May this ministry continue to show God's love to our community. Please contact Lesley Pocock if you wish to join them for lunch on Christmas Day or Boxing Day or are interested in volunteering. tel lesleypocock@aol.com The Salvation Army in Addlestone host a Christmas Day Extravaganza in the Addlestone Community Centre, Garfield Road, KT15 2NJ from 10.30am to 3.30pm. It may be possible for transport to be provided. They have plenty of volunteers but are currently looking for someone, or a family group, to provide some after-dinner entertainment. Can you help? Guest are asked to book in advance by contacting: Ian Loxley, Major tel: Ian.Loxley@salvationarmy.org.uk

14 Rushmoor On Christmas Day St Peter s Church, Farnborough will be holding a traditional Christmas lunch at 12.30pm in the Parish Centre for anyone who would otherwise be on their own. Transport can be provided if needed and there is no charge. To book a place contact Elizabeth Lowden on St John's Church, Cove are having a Christmas lunch at St John's Hall for those who would otherwise be on their own. The lunch starts at 12.30pm. For further information or to book a place please contact Sally Brett on The Vine Centre, Aldershot is a Christian charity for homeless and vulnerable people and will be open on Christmas Day between 11-3 for lunch, chat, games and relaxation. Last year, their services were accessed over 8,000 times, they welcome visits so do get in touch. 22nd Dec - Christmas Lunch with entertainment for all their clients, staff and volunteers. This is their busiest day over Christmas, last year saw them feeding over 50 people 23rd Dec - Christmas Buffet for clients with visit from Father Christmas 25th Dec Lunch and entertainment for clients Further enquiries: Mags Mercer tel: mags.mercer@thevinecentre.org.uk