PREPARATION is underway for the 2017 Camelford Community Christmas Breakfast, taking place on Christmas Day.

Organised and set up by local lady Helen Ward three years ago, the event gives people in the community the chance to get together on Christmas morning, share breakfast and have a chat.

Helen said: “It’s a great way to bring the community together, both in the planning and on the big day itself.”

The organisers behind the event are also appealing for volunteers to help out, and there’s plenty to be done on the day!

Claire Hewlett, who has been involved since the beginning of the event, said: “There’s loads to be done. Obviously we have the chefs, but then we are always needing people to help serve the breakfasts, wash up, serve teas and coffees — and if you’re a bit musical, perhaps you could come in to sing some carols or play some music to keep people entertained on Christmas morning.

“You might just want to come and talk to people in your community; it’s an event for everybody — just think of someone to come along with and drag them out.”

She added: “It’s a real community thing. Even if you’ve just got half an hour to spare, if you’re on your way to your mother-in-law’s, just come along and pop in. It’s all free.”

Everything from the hall and food to people’s spare time has been donated. The table decorations have been kindly made and donated by the Camelford Memory Café, and the event is free, although a collection box will be available to drop a donation into for a local little boy named Jayden.

Jayden has cerebral palsy and is unable to sit, stand or walk unaided. He has been accepted, by a surgeon in America, for an operation that will help him walk.

This operation is not available in the UK, so to travel to the USA and undergo the operation will cost £80,000. In the past, organisers have asked people to make a donation towards their Christmas breakfast, but this year any donations made will go towards Jayden’s operation.

Christmas can be a very different experience for people in the community. Some will wake up to a home full of family and friends, lots of presents under the tree and a large turkey to squeeze into the oven. But this is not the reality for many.

Others lose people they love, they might be lonely, have limited budgets or no budget at all for Christmas. Some worry about keeping a roof over their family’s heads and staying warm. All the while, the television plays heartwarming music and sells families the idea of the perfect Christmas.

Whatever the circumstances, the organisers of the Camelford Community Christmas Breakfast would love to see as many people as possible on Christmas morning.

This is the third year that the breakfast will be held for local people, with chefs taking time out from their busy lives to cook the most amazing hot breakfast.

The breakfast is open to anyone — resident or visitor, old or young. Children will need to be accompanied by a parent, grandparent, neighbour or other responsible adult.

Last year, chefs cooked over 60 breakfasts and this year the organisers are keen to make it bigger and better.

Join the community between 9am and 11.30am on Christmas morning at Camelford Hall.

For those who need a lift, and are in the Camelford area, phone 07501 720012 to book a seat on provided transport. Seats are limited so people interested in this transport should ensure there is no other way to get there before booking.

Claire added: “What we find as you get older is, it’s fine when you’re younger and you have kids that come running down the stairs on Christmas morning all excited, but as you get older, that doesn’t happen. You have your cup of coffee or tea and your glass of bucks fizz, you open your presents and that’s it. The community breakfast is just a nice way of starting Christmas Day.”

For further information on the Camelford Community Christmas Breakfast, visit its Facebook page.