There is in our village. It's all because of something called The Townlands Trust Charity. The Trust - dating back to the 1800's once owned 5 tenements, which were almshouses, and more than 75 acres, the houses were sold off 30 years ago but the land is still rented out - once to households for allotments but now to farmers, they actually owned our bit of meadow until it was sold off in the 1980s. A long time ago they gave "2 penny loaves weekly to the poor" but now it's a free Christmas lunch to over 60's as well as a donation to the church and the school.
When something says "free" I'm there like a shot even though I thought I wouldn't know anybody. But when I rang up to book a place the lady told me that Mrs F - who lived in our cottage before us - would be going so at least I would know her.
The meal was last Monday at a large pub on the A140, just a few miles up the road from home ........ it was a snowy and icy day. Avoiding the busy main road I drove there "the back way" so I could go slowly through the slush.
| Not as sunny as this on Monday! |
The food was delicious, I had chosen a veggie option of filo-pastry parcel filled with leeks, nuts and mushrooms in a mushroom sauce served on a bed of rocket and with roast potatoes. For desert a chocolate brownie with ice cream. Then there was coffee and a mini mince pie. On arrival we found a bag of chocolate coins on the table for everyone and a raffle ticket each.
My ticket was actually drawn out - mainly because there were enough gifts for everyone! and I picked this
Thank you to everyone for comments. I'll do a hospital update soon.
My £12 Christmas treat money has so far bought some Pringles for £1.25, another box of the Nescafe Salted Caramel coffee sachets for £1.50, some Port Salut cheese for £2 and I wanted Jacobs Cornish Wafer biscuits but Asda in Stowmarket didn't have any, so there is still cash left for next shopping trip. I'm quite cheap to keep at Christmas!
Back Tomorrow
Sue
What a lovely thing to have and do. The dinner sounds delicious and it must have been great fun.
ReplyDeleteJ x
A very tasty meal, I would go there again
Deletegosh, there's a blast from the past! My ex and I used to eat at that pub almost every week back in the day. Have not been there for years, but the food was always so good!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely to get a free lunch and a pressie. you are good keeping it until Christmas, I'd have ripped that paper off in a second!
You are my kind of person, spending your treat loot on cheese! Yum! x
The food was excellent and service good too which isn't always the case with large groups of people all at once
DeleteCrisps, cheese and those coffees (well, the plain unsweetened taste version) would be exactly my idea of a treat too! The free Christmas meal is a lovely idea, glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI was glad I went
DeleteWhat a lovely idea, glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely meal out
DeleteNow is the hardest time to keep within your budget. TV and media all pump us with this perfect Christmas, and as for some the stress levels rise, the panic buying starts. We have everything we require, except the fresh stuff.
ReplyDeleteTasty edibles that I don't usually buy are my best treat now. Don't need things............except books perhaps!
DeleteWhat a delicious sounding vegetarian meal you had! Our City Council hosts a free Christmas lunch for the over 60's too, and I was shocked to be offered a ticket this year. I declined, graciously, but even if I felt inclined to go, they do not cater for dietary variations ~ it's turkey or the highway!
ReplyDeleteThere were 7 different main courses to choose from - amazing. and 2 veggie - the other a nut roast - plus a fish - so something for everyone
DeleteImportantly, did you get to chat to some nice people?
ReplyDeleteI chatted to Mrs F who owned this house before us and a couple who were x teachers.
DeleteThanks for telling us about The Townlands Trust Charity. I am great believer in land share. Perhaps smallholdings could rent spare land for allotments or to other smallholders?
ReplyDeleteIt used to be local villagers that used the land but now all farmers
DeleteThat present looks beautifully wrapped. x
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping it's a box of chocs!
DeleteHi Sue, really pleased that you are having some happy times x
ReplyDeleteI just keep getting on with things
DeleteYour lunch sounds delicious, and the parcel looks very exciting.
ReplyDeleteA very good meal and a mystery parcel!
DeleteIt sounds a delicious vegetarian lunch and my favourite price...free;-)
ReplyDeleteArilx
I often choose veggie option - meat is boring!
DeleteHow lovely, I have yet to find something like this where we live now. Hope your DH is doing well. I have had good news about my arm and shoulder op.
ReplyDeleteI might be seeing your daughter after Christmas as I want new glasses.
Glad to hear things may be better for you after the years of pain. She's working Mondays and Thursdays at the opticians at the moment.
DeleteSounds like my kind of lunch - being vegetarian I find sometimes the veggie option not very good but that sounds really nice.
ReplyDeleteThe nut roast looked good too - spoiled for choice
DeleteWell, we already know you're a brave person, Sue, but I was so pleased to see that you went to an event where you weren't sure what it would be like. Not that you need my approval, but after my divorce I struggle with going out as a single, and I admire your "get on with life" attitude. My best wishes to you and Col and your family. (And the food does sound very good--what luck!)
ReplyDeleteThank you, I don't feel brave....
DeleteReally brave of you to go on your own, it's something I would have done too ... but I would have had to psyche myself up to begin with. Nice that the food was good AND you came away with a pressie to open on Christmas Day.
ReplyDelete