Cookswood Supports Stoke St Michael Senior Residents Christmas Lunch

In the heart of Stoke St Michael, the annual Senior Residents Christmas Lunch has long been a cherished tradition — a chance for older members of the community to come together, enjoy good food, and share the warmth of the festive season. This year’s event was made especially memorable thanks to the generous support of local business Cookswood, whose donation and involvement helped ensure the lunch was a resounding success.

Held in the village hall, the Christmas Lunch welcomed senior residents from across the community for an afternoon of celebration, conversation, and seasonal cheer. With festive decorations, attentive volunteers, and a lively atmosphere, the event provided a reminder of how powerful community spirit can be, particularly at a time of year that can feel isolating for some older residents.

At the heart of the afternoon was a traditional three-course Christmas meal, carefully prepared and served to all attendees. From the starter through to dessert, the meal was designed to offer both comfort and celebration — a chance for residents to enjoy a proper sit-down Christmas lunch in the company of friends and neighbours. For many, it was not only the quality of the food that stood out, but the sense of being welcomed and valued.

In addition to the meal, a festive raffle was held to raise funds for local community initiatives. With prizes donated by local supporters and businesses, the raffle added a light-hearted and inclusive element to the afternoon, encouraging participation and helping to generate much-needed funds that will be reinvested into community projects.

Cookswood’s contribution played a key role in enabling the event to take place. Through their donation and support, the business helped cover essential costs, allowing organisers to focus on creating an enjoyable and dignified experience for every resident who attended. Their involvement reflects a wider ethos within the company — one that recognises the importance of supporting the communities in which they operate.

Rather than seeking recognition, Cookswood approached the event with a quiet commitment to giving back. As a business, they understand that success is not measured solely by commercial achievements, but also by the positive impact made beyond their immediate operations. Supporting the Senior Residents Christmas Lunch was a natural extension of this belief.

Eliza Massey says "Supporting the Stoke St Michael community is central to who we are at Cookswood and to the values of the estate. It is about more than our business; it is about the people who make the village their home and give it the warmth and character that inspired us to choose this place for Cookswood from the very beginning."

For the organisers and volunteers behind the Christmas Lunch, support from businesses like Cookswood is invaluable. Community-led events rely heavily on goodwill, time, and generosity, and partnerships with local companies help ensure that these traditions can continue year after year. The result is not only a successful event, but a stronger sense of connection across generations within the village.

Residents who attended the lunch spoke warmly of the experience. Many highlighted how meaningful it was to share a festive meal without the pressure or expense of hosting at home, while others valued the opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new people. For some, the lunch represented one of the few organised social events they attend during the winter months.

Janice Langmaid, a key event organiser says "We would like to thank Cookswood for their kind donation to our Christmas lunch which took place on Sunday.  Everyone had a lovely time, a fun filled afternoon enjoyed by all.  46 local senior residents ate well, enjoyed a plentiful raffle and drinks.  We couldn't have put the event on without kind donations from local organisations like Cookswood."

The success of this year’s lunch also underlined the importance of collaboration within the community. Volunteers worked alongside organisers to serve meals, sell raffle tickets, and ensure that everyone felt comfortable and included. The atmosphere throughout the afternoon was relaxed and joyful, with laughter, conversation, and a shared appreciation for the effort that had gone into the day.

Cookswood’s support did more than help fund a single event — it sent a clear message that local businesses have a meaningful role to play in nurturing community wellbeing. By choosing to support an initiative focused on older residents, Cookswood demonstrated an awareness of the challenges faced by this group, particularly during the winter and festive season.

As the afternoon drew to a close, residents left with full stomachs, raffle prizes, and a renewed sense of belonging. For organisers, the success of the event was measured not just in numbers raised through the raffle, but in smiles shared, conversations sparked, and the reassurance that the community continues to look after its own.

Looking ahead, the hope is that the Stoke St Michael Senior Residents Christmas Lunch will continue to thrive, supported by volunteers, charities, and businesses who recognise its value. With partners like Cookswood willing to step forward and contribute, the future of such events looks positive.

In a world where small communities can sometimes feel overlooked, gestures of support like this carry real significance. Cookswood’s involvement in the Christmas Lunch serves as a reminder that when businesses invest in people, the returns are felt far beyond any balance sheet — in stronger relationships, shared experiences, and a community that feels cared for.