Working together for village
The community in Dunning recently joined together to help dish out free festive dinners to the village’s senior citizens.
In past years a sit- down meal and Christmas party was enjoyed by local pensioners in the village hall.
But, with Covid-19 restrictions in place, the community venue was unable to host the popular event this year as planned.
However, business representatives and volunteers ensured nobody was left disappointed as the festive treat was brought to the doors of those who would normally attend instead.
Around 14 members of Dunning Scout Group gathered people’s menu choices one week, which was followed shortly afterwards by the safe door-to-door delivery of Christmas meals.
These included soup, turkey, roast potatoes, chipolatas, vegetarian options and a pudding – all in secure boxes.
Along with the Scouts, youngsters from the village’s Beavers and Cubs designed special Christmas cards to accompany the meals.
The Scouts, all following careful socialdistancing guidelines, even rounded-off their deliveries with some festive jokes and songs at the doorstep ensuring everyone got into the Christmas spirit.
Dunning Scouts’ section leader Nathan Critchlow-Watton, who organised logistics for the Scouts’ delivery operation, said: “Scouting has always been about supporting the community, and it was great to see the young people take responsibility for helping others and developing skills for life.”
Local businessman Simon Howie, of Simon Howie Butchers, said: “We were keen to see that the locals didn’t miss out.
“The Dunning Scouts took so much of the legwork from us as they visited each house to drop a note and then to deliver the meals to the recipients.
“It was a superb effort and something we were so pleased to be part of.
“We’ve been part of the Dunning community since 1986 and, as someone who was born into the village, I’m always anxious to see that we do our bit.
“The feedback has been terrific and we hope it’s something we can repeat in future years.”
Nisa owner Zubair Aslam, who donated trifles for the meals, said: “It was great that Simon Howie stepped in to do the meals this year.
“Of course I was up for helping out too. Everybody helps each other out here.”