In the spirit of Christmas

Theo Bennison knows what to do to avoid a lonely Christmas dinner in Fairlie.

A Fairlie dairy herd manager who didn’t want to spend Christmas alone has organised a community Christmas dinner with 40 guests.

As Timaru and Waimate volunteers also prepare for their own annual meals, Theo Bennison said it would have been his first Christmas Day in Fairlie by himself, and he was not looking forward to it.

After talking to other people who were also destined for a solo festive season, Bennison decided to do something about it and will host the lunch at the Mackenzie Rugby Clubrooms.

Funding from Mackenzie Young Farmers and food donations have made the meal possible, as well as help from several volunteers.

Bennison plans to be head chef, cooking traditional turkey, roast beef and lamb with bread, sauce and gravy, accompanied by carrots and parsnips followed by Christmas pudding with icecream and cheese and crackers.

He came to New Zealand on an adventure just over three years ago and now can’t get home because of Covid-19.

He is worried about his family back in Cumbria North West, England, as the country battles against a new strain of the virus.

Meanwhile in Waimate, preparations for the community dinner are well under way.

Anglican minister Rev Indrea Alexander said about 100 people were expected at the meal, and there was a team of 12 volunteers to serve them.

‘‘We have had generous donations of meat and a grant from the Waimate District Council staff as well as other donations of money and vegetables from the Waimate Community Gardens,’’ Alexander said.

They will be serving the traditional Christmas dinner for people who would otherwise mostly be on their own, she said.

‘‘We’re adding some festivity for people,’’ she said.

‘‘We’ve asked people to prebook, but they’re welcome to turn up on the day. There’ll be plenty of space at St Patrick’s Church hall.’’

In Timaru, intended guests must book, organiser Melissa Brennan said.

So far 243 seats have been booked at the Caroline Bay hall venue leaving just five to fill.

She said there were 65 volunteers and lots of food had been donated.

To book for the Timaru Christmas dinner email timaru. ccd.bookings@gmail.com

Theo Bennison is hosting a dinner which will include turkey, roast beef and lamb, and Christmas pudding.