THE Pantry in Bude held their annual Christmas event at Stratton Community Hall on Sunday, December 22.

The Pantry in Bude was set up to support the community to support the community by offering food, baby items, toiletries, sanitary products, clothes, toys, books and much more to those who need it. They cover Bude and the surrounding area of North Cornwall however, they will never turn anyone away. They are all volunteers who rely on donations of every kind to make this possible.

Free events are held throughout the year, but none as big as the Christmas event! 

Co-founder of the Pantry in Bude, Caroline Aulsberry-Vockins, said: “I didn’t want anyone to miss out on any aspect of Christmas and through support from the wonderful volunteers we made that possible!

“We had a jumble sale, live music, party food, Santa came with small gifts and sweets, craft tables and gifts for everyone who walked through the door! We also had a tombola and raffle, these were the only things that cost any money, all donations go straight back into The Pantry, and they were optional! Raffle tickets are still available to buy!

“I want to say a huge thank you to Lisa and her husband for coming to sing for us, Santa for spreading extra magic, Helen and her children for helping with the preparations and sorting the raffle and tombola!

“Di and her children for their continuing support and all they did yesterday, Julian for being an absolute star with some prep beforehand and being the cook, Terri for her continued support and help with all the prep and set up, Graham for coming to make the coolest balloon creations I’ve ever seen! 

“Also everyone else who helped with the prep and set up as well as donated items, donated some pennies, shared our Facebook posts, liked our page, came along on the day and had some fun!

“Finally, I couldn’t have done it without my best friend, my wife Caroline. The party and The Pantry would not be standing if it didn’t have her to hold it up.

“Thank you to all and a merry Christmas from us all here at The Pantry in Bude!”