Castor volunteers spring into action with festive cheer

The grant allowed church members to make up Friendship Bags for just over 100 people in the local community.

Pastor Kate Hills said: “Ordinarily, we serve Christmas lunch for up to 110 guests in Nettleton and North Kelsey as part of our Church lunch clubs.

“Our Christmas get together is always enjoyable and has of course been missed this year due to current restrictions.

“We haven’t been able to hold our monthly lunch clubs since March: serving Caistor, Nettleton, North and South Kelsey and other villages slightly further afield.

“We wanted to do something to show that we haven’t forgotten our guests: many really miss the community aspect of our lunch clubs and we understand that some will feel isolated or lonely at the time.”

The Friendship Bags contained something for body, mind and spirit: some essential foodstuffs, such as long-life milk, bread and soup; and some treats for Christmas, as well as hygiene items, a puzzle book, reading material and a hand-written card.

Kate said: “The bags were put together and delivered personally by the Springs Church volunteer team, who help out at the lunch clubs, to ensure that everyone who received the bags got wished a Merry Christmas by us.”

Kate added: “I want to thank Market Rasen Tesco store who have provided us with many of the goods for purchase at short notice in what must be their busiest time of year.

“Thanks to them also for the kind donation of some hand sanitiser.”