KNUTSFORD Lions is to work with The Welcome Café and Hope Central foodbank to arrange for Christmas Day lunches to be delivered free to residents.

Although the annual charity music concert, which normally takes place in November, will not be held this year, a Christmas Day lunch for those who will be on their own, or struggling financially, is being organised.

Club president Paul Buttrick said: “Unfortunately a gathering will not be possible, but the Lions, The Welcome and Hope Central will be pooling their resources to arrange for Christmas Day lunches to be delivered free of charge to many local people.

“It is intended that the usual ‘House to House Christmas Appeal’ will take place in late November to early December to fund the Christmas Day lunches and to enable us to help those in need in the year ahead.

“We will also be relaunching our ‘Wenceslas’ winter fuel allowance appeal in mid-November.

“This has been so successful in ensuring everyone local is kept warm during the winter months, and it also enables us to help those suffering financial hardship during the year.

“The Lions’ motto is ‘We Serve’, and that’s what we will continue to do as best we can, whatever the restrictions.”

Paul has taken over as president from Peter Willgoose, who said: “During the early days of lockdown the Lions’ operations were severely restricted.

“Very sadly we had to cancel the Lions Fair on the Heath, which raises funds for many local charities, entertains children and adults alike and provides revenue for many businesses.

“Our twice-monthly meetings were cancelled for a time, but members kept in touch by email and telephone, and during this period reserves enabled us to provide much-needed financial help to many local individuals and organisations struggling in these difficult times.

“Regular meetings are now taking place via Zoom, and a lifting of some of the restrictions has enabled some plans to be made for the year ahead.”

For more information, or if you are interested in joining or helping the Lions, visit knutsfordlions.org.uk, email Knutsford.lions@gmail.com or call 01565 631255.