Christmas is a time to gather with the family and loved ones. For many older people, however, the festive season, and for that matter the rest of the year, can be much lonelier.
The local Salvation Army Corps in Lewisham held a Christmas dinner and carol service for the older members of the community – a heartfelt effort to bring companionship and care to the one million older people that the Help the Aged charity estimates will spend Christmas alone this year.The (almost entirely female) crowd of elderly guests are remarkably sharp and as bright as buttons when they pile into the centre at midday, along with elderly members of the Over-50s and Home League, a Salvation Army women’s ministry founded to promote home skills.
Far from the stereotypical “grumpy” old man or “doddery” old lady, the room is filled with the lively chatter of daily life as the special guests gather their Christmas cards together and give them out to each other and to the Salvation Army officers.
After this time of card swapping and chatting finishes everyone is gradually ushered into a small cosy hall laid out with four long tables complete with Christmas crackers and red candles, with the Turkey, stuffing and cranberry sauce not far behind.
For a few of the guests, this will be the only treat they will enjoy this Christmas, yet the atmosphere is anything but contrived. It is filled with genuine affection and closeness.
Brenda, 76, said, “I love this place, it gets me out, otherwise I would not go to any club. I love it here. They are so friendly here, all of them.”
Captain Leanne Cordner and two Salvation Army majors had prepared the meal since early morning, yet the elderly guests receiving the dinner were just as likely to get up and help take out the dishes and tidy up and help out in whatever small way they could.
Following the dinner and dessert everyone gathers in an adjoining chapel for tea and biscuits and a carol service. With cup of tea in one hand and carol book in the other everyone proceeds to sing all the traditional favourites of “O, Come all Ye Faithful” and “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” and many others.
It is clear that the elderly visitors appreciate not just the Christmas dinner but the continued presence of The Salvation Army in their community throughout the year.
Vera, 71, said, “I go to my own church which is a Roman Catholic church. But I come here most Sunday’s for evening service and then I help out through the week for the dinners and have lunch Tuesdays and Thursdays… Through coming to the Army I’ve learned a lot.”
