Christmas Day lunch 'can't happen without a cook'

The cook found as a result of last year's campaign is not able to commit this year, organisers say

A woman from Kent who has organised Christmas Day lunches for the local community for over two decades says the event "can't happen without a cook" as she begins a search for a volunteer chef.

Tonbridge Baptist Church has provided a subsidised meal for anyone who would otherwise be alone on 25 December since 2003.

Organiser Margaret Bull says she has a "passion for people not being lonely".

Now she is is appealing for a cook for this year's celebration after the volunteer chef found as a result of last year's campaign said they were not available this Christmas.

About 15 volunteers are needed to ensure the lunch goes smoothly

Ms Bull, 73, says that this initiative is geared towards the elderly members of the community.

"People who may be living locally, and their family may be away for as long as five days," she said.

"It's just not practical for older people to be away for that long."

Alongside needing a cook who ideally could also call into the church on Christmas Eve to see the set-up, Ms Bull wants to recruit about 15 volunteers to help the day go smoothly.

Tickets for the £15 three-course meal will go on sale as soon as a cook is recruited, she says.

Over the years up to 92 people have been guests for one of the Christmas lunches, while 84 people were welcomed into the church last year.

Alongside the Christmas lunch, Ms Bull puts the call out for gifts which are then handed out on the day.

She said: "The gifts are donated - we always have more gifts than people."

When asked what inspires her to continue with this initiative after 22 years, Ms Bull said: "Everybody loves coming, everybody loves to help.

It's really amazing how it all works each year to be honest."

The church said volunteers should have relevant catering certification and have their own means of transport on Christmas Day.