Community Christmas dinner after 'challenging year'

Chef Ian Williams will soon be overseeing the huge catering operation at the school

Chefs at a school canteen are preparing to cook up to 900 Christmas dinners for its students, parents and members of the local community after a "challenging year".

So far, about 35 turkeys have been ordered for the free dinner that will take place in two sittings on 18 December at Merchants' Academy Secondary School in Bristol.

Chef manager Ian Williams said: "It's going to be massive, but enjoyable for us, and will put a big smile on the children's faces."

Headteacher Guy Swallow said the idea for the dinner - being named Christmas in the Community - came from the pupils, who will help to serve food, seat the guests, and who helped decide which "community heroes" will attend.

Headteacher Guy Swallow said the pupils came up with the idea

The school has an above average number of disadvantaged pupils, with local families struggling with the cost of living crisis.

"It's been quite a challenging 2024 for the community in different ways, for families up and down the country, but also particularly for us here in south Bristol," Mr Swallow said.

"We're proud to serve two communities in south Bristol, in Hartcliffe and Withywood, and we wanted to put on an event to bring people together and bring them into school."

Hannah Green said the event was all about welcoming families into the school

Year 10 pupil Kairah said: "Some people may not be able to afford a Christmas lunch, so it is good for the school to do one."

Pupil, Sonny, added: "It is just such a happy time of year and for the community to come together is a really special thing for our school."

Invitations have gone out to local community organisations, care homes, and local businesses that the school has worked with this year.

Assistant headteacher, Hannah Green, said the school wanted to do something for families and the wider community at Christmas.

"We've had lots of things happen this year, and we wanted to bring some cheer and make Christmas really special," she said.