Christmas is a funny ol’ season. Although its celebrations can often provide lots of laughs, the C word can also be stressful for many who feel lonely at this time of year. Whether you’re looking to get into the giving spirit and help out, or just want to enjoy Christmas with others, here are some community dinners happening in Notts...
Community Cares Club Christmas Dinner at Fenton Court
We interviewed Mo Fayose, the woman behind this dinner, back in ’16 and she’s still bladdy at it. As a mother of two and a student mental health nurse, Mo is definitely a busy lady but this year, she’s not only putting on a Christmas dinner for the community to enjoy, but she’s serving a fry up brekkie too! She’s told us that she’s suffered from loneliness previously and wants to stop that from happening to others, which is her driving force behind the events.
If you get in touch here you can reserve a place – just let ‘em know if you need a lift too and they can sort out transport for those who usually rely on busses.
Lots more dinners are being hosted by lots of other lovely folk via the same organisation too, around wider Nottinghamshire. Take a look online for dinners in Ruddington, Keyworth, Kirkby and more.
When: Tuesday 25 December. Full English breakfast, 8am – 10am. Christmas dinner, 12pm – 3pm.
Where: Fenton Court, Fenton Road, Nottingham NG5 1LX
Pelham Kitchen, Sherwood Rise
Rebecca and the Pelham Kitchen team are a luvleh lot. All year round they’re partial to helping feed the community with delicious, home cooked grub and they’re extending the invitation this Christmas.
Head there on Christmas Eve for festive food and, most importantly, a warm welcome n’all. Meals cost £1 for adults and nothing at all for littleuns. Either enjoy the meal there, with crafty activities provided, or you can take it home to warm up again and enjoy on Christmas Day. Call 0115 985 8209 for more information.
When: Monday 24 December, 12noon – 2pm.
Where: Pelham Kitchen, 16a Pelham Road, Sherwood Rise, NG5 1AP.
The Foresters Arms, Newthorpe
Now here’s a perfect example of getting into the Christmas spirit. Pub landlord Jamie O’Grady was brought up proper by his lovely grandma, who used to cook meals for those alone at Christmas. Now, with a whole pub and a newly fitted kitchen to play with, he’s opening his doors to other older people who might be lonely this year. The meal is free for anyone wanting some home cooked food and good company, and everyone receives a present too. If the first dinner is a success, we hear he’ll be hosting one on Friday too (and maybe every month after that!)
Give Jamie a call on 0115 913 0305 to book a place, or just see how you can help.
When: Thursday 20 December
Where: Foresters Arms, 2DN, Main St, Newthorpe, Nottingham
Emmanuel House
This stellar facility will be open at usual on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, offering warmth and food to homeless and vulnerable adults in the area. However, if you want to help out over the festive season, then get in touch online or at 0115 9507140 and let the team know you’d like to lend a hand – it’s sure to be busy.
When: Tuesday 25 December, 10am – 3pm (but it’s open every day)
Where: Emmanuel House, 53-61 Goose Gate, Nottingham NG1 1FE
Small Food Supper, Primary
This one’s a little bit different but it’s definitely worth a visit for those community feels. Tucked away just off Nottingham city centre, near Canning Circus, is a bakery that loves to feed us the good stuff. Every Thursday it provides hearty, home-cooked meals for under a tenner and everyone’s invited.
The menu changes every week – head down this Thursday for a Christmas dinner with a difference. BYOB. Follow them online for more information, or email hello@smallfoodbakery.com.
When: Every Thursday, 5pm (last orders at 7.30pm)
Where: Primary Studios, 33 Seely Road, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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