The Camelford Community Christmas Breakfast team once again hosted their annual event on Christmas morning, serving around 100 cooked breakfasts to residents of Camelford and surrounding communities.

Everything needed for the event — from food, to tablecloths and floral centrepieces, to the hall — was donated by residents, businesses and community groups, and was staffed by a team of volunteers.

The event, now it its fifth year, has continued to grow, and is attracting support from across North Cornwall, as organiser Melanie Baber explains: “The first Christmas Breakfast in 2015 was conceived as a way to bring the community of Camelford together at this special time of year. Over the past five years the event has grown, and we now cook for 100 plus diners every year.

“We continue to be well supported by donors and volunteers from the Camelford area, but this year we’ve also been supported by many people from right across North Cornwall.

“As well as residents from Camelford and neighbouring villages, we also welcomed diners from Bodmin and Launceston on Christmas morning, had volunteers coming from as far as Bude and Polzeath, and food was donated from right across the region. Everyone has been so incredibly generous with both donations and time; the event is completely free, and so cannot happen without the wonderful support of so many people, businesses and organisations.

“The event is always so much fun too. There’s a jovial, Christmassy atmosphere, and as in previous years, we had live music, Christmas songs, and a storyteller who delighted both children and adults with her traditional tales. Everyone who comes is given take-home treats too; mince pies and Christmas cake, and chocolate for the children.”

In addition to bringing communities together over breakfast on Christmas morning, the event also aims to raise money for a charity, and this year The Sowenna Appeal was chosen by Camelford Community Christmas Breakfast’s founder, Helen Ward.

Melanie said: “The breakfast event was originally conceived and organised by a wonderful lady, Helen. Without her vision and tireless work, Camelford Community Christmas Breakfast wouldn’t exist. Although Helen no longer lives in the area, she was anxious that the event continue, and has provided so much behind-the-scenes support and inspiration this year to the ‘new team’ – myself, chef Tristan Halliday, and Camelford Town Mayor, Claire Hewlett. Helen also nominated The Sowenna Appeal as our 2019 charity, and our bucket collection on Christmas morning raised an amazing £82.60.

“Sowenna is a mental health unit in Bodmin that provides treatment for young people. Although the unit is funded by the NHS, The Sowenna Appeal is fundraising to provide ‘icing on the cake’ facilities and equipment that will really make a difference to young peoples’ recovery, health and wellbeing.

Anyone who would like to donate to this worthwhile cause can still do so by visiting their Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/campaign/sowenna.”

Melanie has also confirmed that the Camelford Community Christmas Breakfast will take place in 2020, and planning will begin again in the autumn. Anyone wishing to attend, donate or volunteer can contact the team through their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CamelfordCommunityChristmasBreakfast, or by calling Melanie on 07814 992820.