St Mary’s on the Harbour in Castletown is once more offering a free lunch on Christmas Day at 1.30pm to whoever wants some company.
Organiser and church vicar Reverend Dr Jules Gomes first held the lunch last year, and it attracted morethan 100 people.
He said: ‘We were very encouraged by the people who gave very generously and contributed financially and the volunteers worked very hard. It was just great fun.’
‘The great joy was that there were people from all over the island of all ages. It did not matter if they were financially in dire straits or very wealthy and had no where to go, they were from all backgrounds and ages mixing together and had such a happy time, there was such a good spirit.’
He and his wife Rekha moved to the island in September 2012 and last year decided to host a Christmas Day event, as Rev Gomes said: ‘No one should languish on their own at Christmas.’
Fundraisers will be held and, money permitting, there are plans to have a four-course meal and also to give out presents on the day.
Also, there is a mini bus for those who have problems with transport, which will transport people to and from the church in Castletown.
For those interested in attending the Christmas Day service beforehand, it begins at 11am.
Places on the lunch must be booked in advance – contact Dawn Killa on 451940.