Amble community Christmas lunch for £1 is set to become an annual event

A lunch organised for £1 a head in the hope of bringing a community together for Christmas has been hailed a huge success – with hopes it will become an annual event.
Members of the Amble community came together to enjoy a Christmas lunch.Members of the Amble community came together to enjoy a Christmas lunch.
Members of the Amble community came together to enjoy a Christmas lunch.

The Masons Arms in Amble hosted a community Christmas lunch at 12pm with the aim of bringing the community together during the festive season.

Lorraine Anne Hudson, was the brains behind the idea.

The Cloudberries performed live for the guests.The Cloudberries performed live for the guests.
The Cloudberries performed live for the guests.
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Tickets were only £1 contributing to the three-course meal, selection boxes, mince pies and coffees and teas.

Around 30 people attended raising more than £100, including voluntary donations.

The money was used to pay for the Christmas event and any donations left over in the pot will be donated to Amble Food Bank.

Lorraine said: “We wanted to have a Christmas community meal for all, anyone who felt they would benefit in any way.

Left to right, Lorraine Anne Hudson, Nigel Wilson and his partner Amanda.Left to right, Lorraine Anne Hudson, Nigel Wilson and his partner Amanda.
Left to right, Lorraine Anne Hudson, Nigel Wilson and his partner Amanda.
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“Amanda spoke to Billy Cruikshank, Amble Food Bank’s coordinator and we came up with an idea that if we charged £1 per ticket, we could donate to the food bank.

“We had so many local businesses and members of the public coming forward offering food, help, support and cash.

“From peeling potatoes the evening before, hoovering at the end to picking up and dropping off residents who otherwise may not have been able to attend.

“We are so grateful to all.”

Along with the food, guests enjoyed a free raffle and a small wrapped gift.

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Local folk band The Cloudberries provided live music for the event, which took place on Tuesday, December 17.

Lorraine added: “The aim of the day was community.

“Everyone had such a great day.

People thanked us and they had made new friends and thoroughly enjoyed the food.

“They were even asking ‘when is the next one?’ This was exactly our aim.

“It really does go to show that Amble, you really are The Friendliest Port.

“I am so proud to be part of this community.”