Big-hearted staff working Christmas Day » Communities » 24dash.com

Instead of enjoying turkey and mince pies on Christmas day, some big-hearted staff at South Gloucestershire Council will be working to ensure that older people in the district get a festive meal.

Debbie Moore, a kitchen unit manager, will be cooking around 100 meals for elderly people in South Gloucestershire who haven't got families, and they will be delivered by a team of drivers.

Debbie Heath will be coordinating the deliveries on Christmas Day from her home, and for her colleagues Karen Hale and Jane Kirby when they take a turn in the kitchen preparing meals on Boxing Day.

Debbie, a meal services manager at the Council, has worked on Christmas Day for over 10 years. She said: "Sadly there are people who don't have a family or loved ones they can spend Christmas Day with, and aren't able to cook, so it's nice that the Council is able to provide them with a meal that day, and they see a friendly face when our drivers deliver them."

One of the drivers is John Hayers from Yate.

John, a retired Rolls Royce engineer, will be delivering meals on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

John said: "It's good to visit the service users on Christmas Day who haven't got family. It's a bit sad that they haven't got loved ones they can spend the day with, but I have a chat with them and they get a meal, which makes a difference."
He added: "It's a really worthwhile job, you give something back to the community and I really enjoy it."

After delivering meals in the Yate area, John will enjoy a late meal with wife Jennifer, who is also working on Christmas Day at a Council-run residential home, their daughter, son in law and grandchildren.

One elderly person who will be receiving one of the meals on Christmas Day is Frank Wiltshire from Kingswood.

Frank, aged 82, worked as a warehouseman for scooter maker Vespa in Bristol. He said: "I don't have any family so it's nice to see someone on Christmas Day and have a meal."

Cllr. Matthew Riddle, Executive Member for Community Care and Housing, said: "It's really heartwarming to see that staff are willing to give up their time on Christmas Day to help others. Seeing a friendly face and receiving a meal on such a special day makes a big difference. We have many staff who will be working on Christmas and Boxing Day, or on call to ensure that services can be provided. I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to them for putting their community first."