January 13, 2025

The annual Hammersmith & Fulham Big Christmas Lunch was attended by 382 older residents of the borough who otherwise might have been spending the day alone.

The event, which is held each year by the council with help from local charity H&F Giving , took place at the Novotel hotel in Hammersmith.

The party included a festive meal, live music by Vivid Jazz, dancing, gift bags, a raffle and free transport to the party and back for every guest that needed it. There was also the Pearly Queen and Princesses of Fulham, and Father Christmas himself turned up.

The celebration was made possible thanks to donations from local businesses and residents, the help of 65 volunteers.

Donations came from The Calleva Foundation, Dr Edwards and Bishop King's Fulham Charity, Olympia London, The Julia Rausing Trust, Hammersmith BID, and local landscape design and construction firm Shoots & Leaves.

The Earls Court Development Company funded each guest's goody bag. Gifts included hand cream, candles, a foot massager, essential oils and toiletries.

The Friends of Brook Green sponsored a table and Blueprint Partners made the event's promotional videos pro bono and donated to the day too. Novotel London West hosted the day and donated the turkeys for lunch.

Local residents were joined by Cllr Patricia Quigley, Mayor of H&F, Cllr Alex Sanderson, Deputy Leader of H&F, Cllr Daryl Brown, Deputy Mayor of H&F, and Cllr Rowan Ree, H&F Cabinet Member for Finance and Reform. Cllr Zarar Qayyum, H&F Cabinet Member for Enterprise and Skills, Cllr Helen Rowbottom, H&F Industrial Strategy Ambassador, Ben Coleman, MP for Chelsea and Fulham and Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick also attended.

Vivid Jazz performs for Big Christmas Lunch guests

Anil Patel, owner of small business Photo Booths First, volunteered his time and equipment to provide a photobooth for the day. "I wanted to do something positive for the community and the Big Christmas Lunch gave me the opportunity to do just that," he said. "I think it is a brilliant event and I'm glad I could contribute in a positive way."

Anil, who's hoping to join in the fun next year too, designed the printouts to include the event's name and date, so that guests could keep photos as a memento from the day.

Cllr Sanderson said, “We know that Christmas can be a very difficult time of year for lots of people. And it's amazing that we're able to combat that by offering a fun, cheerful, welcoming place where those who would otherwise be alone can celebrate the day with neighbours and new friends. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.

"A huge thank you again to everyone who volunteered or donated to make this event a success," said Louise Wilson, Executive Director at H&F Giving.

"We are so grateful for all the donations that made this special event happen and are incredibly grateful to our headline supporter The Hurlingham Club Foundation, along with all our amazing sponsors whose generosity made this all possible."

There's still time to donate to the Big Christmas Lunch. Visit H&F Giving's dedicated webpage to give a one-off donation of any amount. Any excess money raised will go towards engagement activities for older and vulnerable residents in H&F later this year.

 

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