THE staff at Lloyds Pharmacy in Holsworthy had the idea of a meal last year after watching other groups on TV who had set up different things for people who are alone at Christmas.

The staff said they are in an environment where they see local people regularly and wanted to give something back to the community where they knew it would be of benefit.

It was held at the Crown and Sceptre on December 7 at 12pm where invitees were treated to a roast dinner followed by mince pies and cream and they were given a gift of cheese crackers, shortbread biscuits and chocolates for Christmas.

The people who attended were Penny O’Dea, Cedric Parrish, Tracey Clifford, Irene Mc Queen, Brenda Daniels and Linda Kilgour. Staff attending were Lesley Green and Christine Shead. All staff at Lloyds Pharmacy took part in raising funds through the year with raffles and cake sales, etc. and they received some money from Emma Gifford who had taken on their cause also.

Lesley Green said: “Unfortunately only six invitees turned up. We want to organise a bigger event next year perhaps hiring out the memorial hall and having a meal and old band music. To make this happen we will run more fundraising events through the year and will need people to nominate people to attend. We look for Lloyds Pharmacy customers who are alone at Christmas and are able to attend the venue themselves — that’s it.

“We would all love more people to attend as this year we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and discussed next year’s event.

“I would like to thank all staff who helped raise funds — Gemma Wood, Christine Shead, Jeannette Yeo, Carolyn Slade, Lesaley Goldray Hobbs, Tricia Stennett and Andrew Kemp.”