On Monday 8 December 2025 fifty-three members, their support workers, family members and volunteers from Headway North Cumbria participated in what is always the branch’s final, and best attended, event of the year – the Christmas Lunch. Attendance was a little lower than it had been over the last few years, in part due to a number of our members having to withdraw from the event due to being unwell – we wish them all a speedy recovery. Nevertheless, It was great to see so many of our members at the function room of The Auctioneer and whilst Christmas jumpers and hats were optional it was good to see so many dressed in festive attire as befits the occasion.
Chairman, Julian Simpson, opened proceedings by welcoming everyone to the event providing a summary of what the branch had done during the year. He welcomed our guests, Colin and Alan from Omexom Taylor Woodrow (OTW) which donated over £2,000 to the branch, earlier in the year; and Danielle, the Headway Network Support Co-ordinator for the North East and Cumbria, who had provided significant support to the branch over the year. Julian also thanked the volunteers, members and supporters who give so generously of their time and energy to allow us to continue to provide a service to our members. He specifically mentioned our Secretary, Natalie, who despite having done most of the organisation for the Christmas lunch was unable to attend as she was recovering from a major operation that she had had the day previously.
As usual the Auctioneer provided a delicious three course meal followed by coffee and mince pies. The first course was a choice between prawn and salmon salad and vegetable soup. The main course was a choice between beef, turkey, salmon and tofu roast. This was followed by a selection of tasty desserts, coffee and mince pies. A huge thank you to the staff of the Auctioneer for looking after us so magnificently.
Crackers were pulled, paper crowns worn, terrible jokes shared and there was a non-stop flow of conversation and laughter. A good time was had by all.
The festivities concluded with a raffle of twenty-five prizes. A big thank you to those that contributed prizes; to Jennifer, Helen and Steve, who help run the raffle; and to all those that took part. Congratulations to the various winners.
There was also a stall featuring arts and crafts made by Headway members and volunteers. Thank you to Jean and Maureen for setting it up; to all those that contributed items; and to those that purchased items.
Helen also took the opportunity to sell, and sign, the remaining copies of the poetry book she had published earlier in the year.
Proceeds from the raffle, the sale of arts and crafts items, and the sale of poetry books will all go to branch funds.
Headway North Cumbria will be returning to the Auctioneer for next year’s Christmas Lunch which will be on Monday 7 December 2026.
Photographs from the event can be found in the gallery in the photo album Christmas Lunch – 8 December 2025 and are available to view in the slide show below.
