CARRIE Sealy, last year’s chef, was a hard act to follow at this year’s Churches Together Christmas lunch in the United Reformed Church hall.

But Tom Barber, who once worked for a Jamie Oliver company, produced yet another delicious turkey with absolutely all the trimmings. He was ably supported in the kitchen by David Jenkins and his wife Patricia. David has experience over many years of cooking on the Tall Ships training voyages.

Twenty-two guests and a team of enthusiastic helpers from Wellington Churches and beyond were warmly welcomed by the Mayor of Wellington, Bob Bowrah, who kindly attended to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Don and Sally McCririck from the Parish Church and Felicity Shakespear from Redhill Farm made sure that the less mobile guests were helped to and from the venue. One guest, whose health on the day prevented him from attending, received his Christmas meal delivered to him at his home instead. Crystal, who attended for the second year running, judged the brussels sprouts to be the best she had ever tasted. Arthur Allen-Hassey, last year’s assistant chef, was able to match every Christmas cracker joke with one of his very own. Romance was also in the air. Christine had travelled all the way from Croydon to be with her fiance, Steve Disney of the United Reformed Church.

The two of them worked flat out to prepare not only for the lunch but also the carols by candlelight service in the church on Christmas Eve – attended by a record congregation of 120 – and the morning service on Christmas Day itself, shortly before the lunch.

The event was kindly supported in various ways by Waitrose, Mary Jenkins, Tim Potter, Wet and Wild, Redhill Farm, and all the volunteer helpers. Once again the community of Wellington came together to create and share a thoroughly enjoyable occasion.

Churches Together wish them all, and indeed all your readers, a very happy and healthy 2017.

ANDREW HARVEY

Moderator, Churches Together in Wellington and District