TRUE FESTIVE SPIRIT: 25 DECEMBER 2016

Second Molong community Christmas lunch ... good food, warm hearts

Today’s Christmas Day gathering of about 40-50 people only took up the kitchen and small area in front of the service block, but the feeling of good will seemed to consume all of the Molong Recreation Ground.

The occasion was the second community Christmas lunch designed to provide a range of people in Molong with an opportunity get together and share food, conversation and spirit.

There were people who would normally spend Christmas alone and have little to cheer about, there were those who just wanted to enjoy the company of a group, there were newcomers to town and a few visitors ... and there were plenty of volunteers ready to selflessly give their time.

Spar Supermarket donated the hams, the Freemasons Hotel put together the salads, The Molong Express’s Rozzie Smith was instrumental in running the show, and I’d also nominate Narelle Campbell, Shirley Lloyd and livewire Lesley Bye for special mention. Immediate apologies in advance for those I’ve missed listing.

Special thanks must also go to Audrey Meehan for providing such spirited renditions of favourite carols.

And thanks, too, to relieving ambo Heath Lyons for dropping by, sharing some food and, I suppose, generally keeping an eye on things. Heath is stationed at Lake Cargelligo but is relieving here before embarking on a similar stint in Cowra.

And his handy six-foot-six frame certainly attracted some attention from the womenfolk present.

What a wonderful idea and one that was executed brilliantly. Well done folks. I certainly look forward to the next one and I’m sure that so do plenty of others.

It wouldn’t happen in Sydney and it typifies the community spirit that has so endeared Molong to me. Merry Christmas and a safe, fulfilling New Year.