Festivities began early for 160 Leeds pensioners, when they were treated to a bumper Christmas feast by a charity backed by market traders.
Volunteers from the newly-founded Ciaran Bingham Foundation Trust (CBFT) piled up turkey, Yorkshire puddings, beef, roast potatoes and more onto the plates of the south Leeds over 65s
Bennett’s Quality Butchers and Neil’s Greengrocers from Leeds Kirkgate Market joined in the season of goodwill by donating hundreds of pounds worth of fruit, vegetables and meat to the event at the Hunslet Club, in Hillidge Road, Hunslet.
The elderly residents, all of whom either make use of south Leeds day centres or live in sheltered housing, were also treated to bingo, Christmas carols sung by Hunslet Club youngsters and Irish dancers.
Andrea Edwards, CBFT chair, told the YEP: “It was really heartwarming seeing everybody from the local community come together and have such a lovely night.
“It had a really lovely, friendly Christmas atmosphere, I think it was more about the opportunity to interact with each other.”
The trust, which has around 20 volunteers, became a registered charity last month.
It is dedicated helping young and old people in memory of Belle Isle teenager Ciaran Bingham, who was killed in a motorcycle accident aged just 19.
Former Hunslet Club member Phil Bennett, from Bennett’s Quality Butchers, backed the event after hearing about last year’s dinner, which catered for around 100 people.
The 32 year old, from Churwell, said: “It was absolutely full up to the brim and I think the older people were more lively than us from 10pm.
“Sometimes if you do something right before Christmas you can get a bit of luck.”
Mr Bennett’s mother and wife also donated their time by cooking much of the food.
On Christmas Day the charity will give meals to around 50 elderly people selected by south Leeds day centres and will host a 1940s night at the Hunslet Club on February 22.
Email: contactcbft@gmail.com for further information.
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