On Monday 9 December 2024 seventy-three members, volunteers, their support workers and family members from Headway North Cumbria participated in what is always Headway North Cumbria’s final, and best attended, event of the year – the Christmas Lunch. 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, Andrew Kirkpatrick, opened proceedings by welcoming everyone to the event providing a summary of what the branch had done during the year. He welcomed our guests, Steve and Evie from duo Travelling Light, who had entertained us twice at the Day Centre during the year, and Finn Graham who raised nearly £1,900 for us by undertaking the physically demanding and spectacularly muddy Gelt Gladiator 10 km Challenge in June. Andrew also thanked the volunteers, members and supporters who have given so generously of their time and energy to allow us to continue to provide a service to our members.
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 mushroom tagliatelle. This was followed by a selection of tasty desserts. A huge thank you to the staff of the Auctioneer for looking after us so magnificently.
A good time was had by all. Crackers were pulled, paper crowns worn, terrible jokes shared and there was a non-stop flow of conversation and laughter.
The festivities concluded with a raffle of twenty-four prizes which raised £150 for branch funds. A big thank you to those that contributed prizes and to all those that took part. Congratulations to the various winners.
A special, and appropriate, award was also made to member, Michael, for the contribution he has made to the branch and the kindness and support he has given to others throughout the year.
Headway North Cumbria will be returning to the Auctioneer for next year’s Christmas Lunch which will be on Monday 8 December 2025.
A full set of photographs taken by our Secretary, Natalie, can be found in the gallery in the photo album Christmas Lunch 2024 and are available to view in the slide show below.
