Bath Churches Together's David Pendle Tells Us Why Open Christmas Needs You This Year
Open Christmas is an annual event which makes possibly the loneliest day of the year - for those without family - into a cracker every year! This year, organisers are appealing for three volunteer posts to help make the day happen. Bath Churches Together's David Pendle tells us why these roles will help bring Christmas sparkle to individuals who would otherwise not share in the joy of Christmas with others. But what happens on the day at Open Christmas? And just what goes into bringing Christmas alive to so many?.. Find out more.
(PICTURES: 10 LORDS A-LEAPING, DAVID PENDLE)
So you are advertising for three volunteer posts for Open Christmas this year.. (Volunteer co-ordinator, transport co-ordinator and tickets for guests' co-ordinator).. What will these volunteers get out of helping make Open Christmas happen this year?
happy.... It is a very different experience to the close family Christmas Day. Many mange to do both, spending the day as a volunteer and the late afternoon and evening with their own family.... Some of the volunteers are people who would otherwise spend the day alone.Will they be working on Christmas Day? And what kind of an atmosphere can they expect?
Yes - the three Co-ordinators will be required to attend on Christmas Day.... However, it may not be necessary for the Guest Ticket Co-ordinator to attend - but helpful!
What happens on the day at Open Christmas?
The Guests are transported from the home to Kingswood School in time for lunch. This is followed by entertainment. There is tea and cakes before going home. The whole proceedings are interrupted by Santa Clause (tired after a busy night), but still managing to deliver a present to every guest.... By the way - we also supply 80 meals for Julian House. that means that the catering team provide 400 roast turkey lunches in that day - all cooked on site at Kingswood School.
Who are the guests usually? And who turns up?
Do you have a story of ssomeone who has been as a guest and really enjoyed it? Or otherwise might not have celebrated Christmas with others?
Have you been yourself? What was it like for you?
I spend my Christmas day going from my Church Chrsitmas Day Celebration to Kingswood School for Open Christmas.... It's a privilege to be a part of a very hard working and dedicated team.... The preparations made by about 10 people (The Organising Committee) are completed by the rest of the 120 volunteers, incuding 40 car drivers to collect and return the guests to their homes
How will you be spending your Christmas Day? Will your daughter be back from overseas for example?
What does Christmas mean to you?