THE spirit of generosity was in the air last week when a group of compassionate volunteers and chefs clubbed together to create a memorable Christmas dinner for people in need.
The feast was held at St Peter's Parish Hall in Cirencester on Sunday, December 17 by Community Kitchen volunteers who have been organising free three-course meals for struggling families and individuals over the last few months.
Two Cirencester chefs - Neil Johnson from Bee's Knees Pub in Watermoor Road and Giles Lee from The Golden Cross Inn in Black Jack Street - offered their services to help make the meal a spectacular success.
Around 60 guests enjoyed a choice of turkey or nut roast with all the festive trimmings.
There was also parsnip soup and sausage rolls on offer for starters and mince pies with brandy cream, chocolate sponge with chocolate sauce and peppermint bark for puddings.
The choir from St Thomas’s Church in Fairford also treated diners to some Christmas carols.
Community Kitchen was founded by Melissa Spagnoli and parishioners from three churches - St Mary’s in Cricklade, St Peter’s in Cirencester and St Thomas’s in Fairford - in our area who organise all the themed events and fund additional menu items.
Mr Johnson said: "What a pleasure to be able to help such a good cause.
"It’s a shame we are in need of such outreach, but we are very lucky to have such kind people in our community that are kind enough to help others."
Ms Spagnoli said: "We couldn’t have done it without the pubs helping donate and cook a lot of the food we offered.
"We will always try to serve the very best menu we can and Neil and Giles made that possible.
"We are very grateful for their support.
"Nearly 50 parishioners came together to serve as volunteers, cook a menu item, help fund the additional food and decorations, or sing in the choir.
"It is a bit of love that we can extend to those who need it most in our community."
The kind-hearted volunteers will be hosting their next Community Kitchen meal, a Taste of Italy, at St Peter’s Parish Hall on Sunday, January 21 between 6pm and 8pm.
A Chinese New Year themed meal has also been organised for Sunday, February 18 at the same venue.
More information about future events can be found on the Community Kitchen Facebook page.
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