GREAT food, laughter, gentleness, peace and goodwill were in abundance at Farnham’s Christmas Day lunch for people who would otherwise have spent the day on their own.

Held at the Gostrey Centre, more than 60 Farnham residents chatted and joked as they enjoyed roast turkey with all the trimmings, Christmas pudding and wine.

From the moment they arrived to their departure with a goodbye gift, guests were the superstars of the day. For the many volunteer helpers, from all walks of Farnham life, it was a privilege to be involved and an important part of their own Christmas celebration.

Visits by Chris and Judith Storey, the mayor and mayoress of Waverley, and John and Gillian Ward, the mayor and mayoress of Farnham, delighted everyone, making a great occasion truly memorable.

Special thanks to David Beale for superb and happy cooking, to Morgan’s Butchers for donating the turkeys and other meats, and to the Dempster Trust, Farnham Hedgehogs, Care Farnham and the Bourne Show for their generous donations, and to Sainsbury’s and Waitrose for their help.

The lunch was co-ordinated by Churches Together in Farnham. Messages of appreciation are being received and for guests and volunteer helpers the day is now a happy memory.