Those who will be on their own or struggling this festive season in Ely and the surrounding area are being offered a meal on Christmas Day (December 25) thanks to Ely Community Lunches. 

Located this year at The Lighthouse Church, Ely Cathedral and the Methodist Church, those who attend will be able to enjoy a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, soup for starters, Christmas pudding as a dessert, as well as cheese and biscuits later on. 

The Lighthouse and Ely Cathedral have been used for many years as venues for the community Christmas lunches. 

Giles Cornell, who is organising this year’s Christmas Day lunch, said: “We came together and formed Ely Community Lunches, and one of our events throughout the year is the Christmas Day sit-down meal. 

“We’ve been inundated this year with such generosity from local people buying other people a meal. 

“Residents can do this by going into the cathedral and saying they’d like to pay for somebody’s meal.” 

For people who can afford it, Giles says there is a £10 charge for each meal, but because of the “overwhelming generosity”, he wants to get the message out that if things are tough, the meal is on them. 

“We’re aiming to give a meal to about 160 people this year,” he said. 

“We know some people cannot get out and about so we can also deliver the same meal on Christmas Eve to re-heat at home on Christmas Day too. 

“Also, if someone needs a lift to and from one of the venues, please speak to us and we can arrange that.” 

As well as a meal, the day will include a visit from Santa, a present and entertainment such as singing Christmas songs. 

Giles wants to let people know that this is not a religious event and that it’s a “don’t be on your own” one instead. 

“There’s two messages that come with this lunch really,” he said. 

"The first is if people are on their own. I know people who are on their own all year and to be alone on Christmas Day is particularly sad, but it’s also for people who are struggling, and struggling financially. 

“I just want to let people know not to struggle on their own and to please let us help.” 

Giles added that they’ve already raised around £2,000 to go towards the meals on the day from people paying for a meal for someone else. 

“People have just been very generous,” he said. 

“We’ve had people who are aged in their hundreds who have visited the cathedral and said they’d like to buy someone a meal. 

“The Cambridgeshire Freemasons have also given us some money, as well as some other local organisations.” 

The Christmas lunch will be served on December 25 at 12:30pm followed by the King’s speech and cheese and biscuits. 

To book a free meal, ring The Lighthouse on 01353 662228 or send a message to them by Monday, December 19. 

You can also book online via https://elycommunitylunches.com/christmas-lunch-2021/.