Soha Housing Provides Christmas Lunch for Their Over 60s Residents
Soha Housing once again sponsored a Christmas lunch at the Catherine Wheel last Wednesday for their over 60s residents living in Gainsborough, The Close, Mount View, Abrahams estate and others who live in Soha Housing properties around the town.
Organised by David Eggleton and held in the private room at the back of the pub, residents were invited to come and enjoy a two course Christmas meal of turkey with all the trimmings followed by delicious chocolate brownie with ice cream or custard. Everyone was given a free raffle ticket with prizes of food donated by Nomad Youth & Community Project.
After the meal, David thanked everyone for coming. He said, “It’s good to see so many people here today. This is probably our fifth year and it’s lovely to see a few familiar faces that have been before. I’d also like to thank Paula (Isaac) for helping me organise the event who unfortunately couldn’t be here today as she’s not very well.”
Henley Mayor, Councillor Ken Arlett said, “I think if it wasn’t for Dave this wouldn’t happen. Big thank you Jackie from Soha for paying for the meal today. I’ve enjoyed the food and your company.”
Jackie from Soha said, “It’s lovely to see you all. I couldn’t make it last year and I really missed it. There will be funding for next year so I hope to see you all again then.”
Sharon from Over 60s Social Club talked about the club in Greys Road car park. She said, “Please free to pop in and see what we are all about. Make new friends or reconnect with some old ones. You don’t need to sit at home and be lonely, just come over and take a seat, read the newspaper, have a cuppa and have a chat.” The club holds bingo twice a week and day trips during the year as well as providing good-value lunches. There is also an in-house hairdresser and a chiropodist who visits.
Jaco from Nomad said, “We do lots of various things to support vulnerable adults and families. We run a food bank at the d:two. On average we do 80 parcels a month in Henley and will probably do 120-150 Christmas parcels. People think they have to be homeless or have nothing before they can ask for anything. That’s not true, we’re really there for everyone and anyone. You can donate food at Tesco or drop it off at the cafe at the d:two.”
PCSO Claire Hewett also made a short speech and gave advice to the guests about telephone scams and keeping your purse safe.
Les who won first prize in the raffle and has lived in Gainsborough for 70 years said, “We’ve been every year to this lunch. We like to come and meet old friends. It’s a lovely atmosphere and good to catch up with our neighbours. The food was really good and this room is lovely. We’ve hired this room for our grandaughter’s christening.”
If you live in a Soha house and are over 60 and would like to come to next year’s lunch, please get in touch with Dave on 07836 202508
