ORGANISERS of the Frome Christmas Get-Together have thanked all those that helped make their festive events a success as the group supported over 200 people on Christmas Day.
For the first time in three years the group were able to provide guests with an in-person lunch on Christmas Day, running three separate events plus home deliveries.
The organisers said, “Our Christmas events were a huge success, and we were able to support over 200 people, including families with children, couples, and individuals. We aimed to bring the community together in an attempt to combat the loneliness, financial stresses and isolation felt by many over the Christmas period. This year’s events really showed us how simply sitting down, sharing great food and conversation can make a massive difference to people’s Christmas experience.
“This year, we provided a delicious Christmas meal supplied by the Frome-based catering company Ebbie’s kitchen alongside refreshments, carols led by Jackdaws Songbirds choir, puzzles and games, a Frome Cinema ticket, and children’s presents and importantly a chance for community conversations.
“The guests and volunteers who attended our events on Christmas Day appeared to enjoy the event and our return to an in-person Christmas Day.”
One guest commented on the event, “It’s thoughtful, perceptive, efficient, kind, appreciated, enjoyed, valued, healthy, delicious, nutritious, and visually lovely.”
The organisers added, “As well as providing our three events we were able to continue to offer home deliveries for community members. These included a takeaway Christmas meal, festive snacks and treats and presents for children. One hamper guest mentioned that we had made their Christmas Day as our volunteer was the only person they saw on Christmas Day.
“These personal connections extended beyond the guests with volunteers enjoying the experience too. Our volunteers were incredible at preparing and running our events and we want to give them all a big thank you for their dedicated work.”
One volunteer explained, “I thoroughly enjoyed the day; we rate it as one of our best Christmases!”
The organisers continued, “We would not have been able to put on such a well-received and successful event without our partners. We would like to thank Fair Frome who helped with Christmas fundraising and guest lists, Active and In Touch who also helped with guests lists. We also received a grant from Somerset Community Foundation as well as kind donations from Frome Rotary, Frome Town Rotary, SK Conservation and so many local businesses and individuals.
“We also want to thank all our fantastic corporate partners and local businesses both new and old who yet again helped make this year’s event possible. Supporting and celebrating local businesses is incredibly important to us and we are grateful for the local businesses continued support.
“Thanks to: Fair Frome, Active and In Touch, The Frome Town Council, The Black Swan, Trinity Church Hall, The Frome Cricket Club, The Key Centre, The Rye Bakery, Frome Library, Somerset Community Foundation, Frome Westway Cinema, Postscript, Frome Rotary and Frome Town Rotary, Ebbie’s Kitchen, JWitt Waste Recycling, CH Contracting, Cayfords Butchers, The Talbot Mells, Fine Foods, Asda, Sainsbury’s, SK Conservation, All Hallows Preparatory School, The Pod Plus, The Frome Share Shop, Forward Space and Black Inc Studios.
“This year’s event showed us how important it is to take time to focus on community friendship and how small acts of kindness can really change someone’s Christmas.
“The Frome Christmas Get-Together’s organisers would like to thank everyone involved in this year’s event for their incredible generosity – it has made a huge difference. We hope that readers will extend the goodwill into the New Year by volunteering or giving regular monthly donations to local charities who work throughout the year to support our fantastic town’s residents.”
One family said, “We were quite anxious about going along but are so glad we did. So wonderful to be in a warm welcoming space, to meet new people and to be treated to such delicious food too.”
