Chelmsley Wood pupils serve Christmas lunch to 90 residents - The Solihull Observer

Chelmsley Wood pupils serve Christmas lunch to 90 residents

Solihull Editorial 19th Dec, 2018   0

SOLIHULL students dedicated a day to bringing festive cheer, serving a tasty Christmas dinner for 90 senior citizens in Chelmsley Wood.

Year 12 students from Grace Academy Solihull entertained guests with hymns and served turkey, pigs in blankets and Christmas pudding.

After peeling 270 sprouts, 60 carrots and over 300 potatoes, the students were praised for helping fight isolation and loneliness over the Christmas period.

Solihull mayor Flo Nash and Councillor David Cole attended the community dinner to celebrate the Christmas season with local residents.




Mayor Nash said: “When schools invite the local community in at Christmas it is fantastic.

“Christmas is all about remembering those less fortunate than ourselves.


“Lots of elderly people live on their own and it’s been lovely for people to get out for the day.

“It’s really nice to see so many faces I recognise at these events.

“I am encouraging the elderly in this area to get involved in local issues and anything that is going on in Fordbridge.

“We recently organised a litter-picking initiative and we have had many elderly people get involved who really enjoyed meeting new people and building up relationships.”

Year 12 student Charlie Tibbatts said: “We prepared all the food, set up the hall, decorated the Christmas trees and have looked after all the beautiful guests.

“We served hot drinks and had a Christmas sing song. I cut my finger carving turkey, but it’s all been worth it!

“It’s such a proud moment when you have done something good for other people at Christmas.”

Councillor David Cole said: “Celebrations like this break down barriers when the younger generation meet with the older generation.

“Young people sometimes think that older people have everything but this is really a myth and it doesn’t work that way.

“There are many elderly people who are living on the bread line.

“The best thing for me at Christmas is to see my grandchildren’s faces on Christmas day, as well as celebrating with my father who is 91 and mother who is 87. They like to see their great grandchildren too.”

Principal of Grace Academy Solihull Darren Gelder said: “This is a real investment back into the local community, and a personal highlight of the year for me, welcoming our community in, and seeing people connect with old and new friends.”

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