Jingle & Mingle returns to bring Christmas cheer to those alone

Jingle & Mingle Christmas Day lunch for people spending Christmas on their own is returning this year, following its successful revival last year after a few years’ break.

Last year’s event at the Christ Church Centre was a huge success with over 80 people sitting down for a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings. It took an army of volunteer elves to put the event on headed up by Irenna Bailey and Gary Boys from Henley Man Club to bring the event altogether.  As well as Christmas lunch younger guests enjoyed crafts, there was music from Gary (aka DJ One Deck), a quiz between courses, a visit from Santa and carols to finish.

Irenna said, “Last year showed us just how important this event is. Christmas is such a happy time for many people, but for others it can be one of the loneliest days of the year. Seeing people walk through the door last Christmas, some of whom may otherwise have spent the day on their own, and then watching everyone chatting, laughing, eating together and genuinely enjoying themselves made us realise we simply had to do it again.

The biggest thing I want people to know is that this really is for anyone who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day. You don’t have to be elderly, you don’t have to be in a particular situation and you certainly don’t have to feel embarrassed about coming. If you don’t have somewhere to go, then come to us. You’ll be welcomed as part of the family. Last year there was so much laughter and warmth in the room, and this year we want it to be even more special.”

To put on the event costs £3,000.  Irenna explained, “We’re aiming to raise £3,000 because putting on a full Christmas Day for everyone comes with a real cost. We want to provide a proper three-course Christmas dinner, drinks, gifts, entertainment, music and all those little touches that make Christmas feel like Christmas … without asking our guests to pay anything. It’s not about creating something extravagant; it’s about making sure that, for one day, nobody feels forgotten or alone.”

You can make a donation here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/irenna-bailey?utm_term=Q7GzrY85g&utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

Irenna added, “Henley has such an incredible community, and last year people were so generous with their time, donations and support. We’re hoping everyone will get behind us again so we can bring Christmas back to Henley for the people who need it most, with plenty of food, laughter and probably slightly less turkey than last year!”

If you would like to attend email irenna.bailey@gmail.com