Frome’s Big Christmas Get-Together is returning for the ninth consecutive year.
Organisers say, “This wonderful event provides a free Christmas lunch and festive celebrations for about 140 Frome residents who may be alone for all sorts of reasons, or who just want to celebrate Christmas with others. The event brings people together to create a memorable day and provides people with company and good times in a great community gathering. It is free to attend, but places need to be booked in advance. Organisers are working closely with Active and In Touch, Fair Frome, the weekly Day Centre lunch club and many local groups and community services to ensure the whole community is welcomed on this special day. Guest forms are available at Frome Library.
“Frome Town Football Club have been the kind hosts for the celebrations for several years now and the event would not be possible without their support. This year will be the second year that Christchurch C of E School will also be involved as a venue, enabling the event to say yes to even more people.
“The generosity of over 40 business in and around Frome who donate their services or produce to the event is what keeps it going. In addition, nearly 200 people volunteer their time in December to make this happen. All costs are covered through donations from a phenomenal public response to collections at events like the Christmas Independent Market and the switching on of lights ceremony. This year, all proceeds from a special locally-designed and made tea towel stocked by The Fromie Gifts and Frome Hardware will be going to support the Big Christmas Get Together.
“Volunteer positions have been filling up rapidly, but organisers are still looking for a few more volunteers on Christmas day including drivers to pick up guests from and then back to their homes, hosting on tables, entertainment and carol singers and people to help for a couple of hours with clean-up from 3.30.pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to be more involved with a worthwhile community project, make new friends and make a real difference to people’s lives at what can be a challenging time of year.
“One of the guests from last year summed up what it meant to them; “I’ve had a really difficult and sad year and was dreading Christmas, so to get such a warm welcome by strangers made me feel very special. I can’t believe that lots of local shops were so generous too. I was so happy to see that people still care.”
“If you would like to make sure Christmas happens for people who need it, please contact Sam at fromechristmas@gmail.com or through Facebook/fromesbigchristmas or on their new website www. bigchristmasgettogether.org. All guest enquiries can also call Margaret on 01373 465418 to find out more.
