Councillor Keith Girling is cooking Christmas meals for veterans and pensioners this Christmas at Cleveland Square Community Centre, Newark

While some people have been excitedly waiting for December to arrive, others have been dreading its arrival as it gives them extra worries and loneliness.

Despite Christmas being known for being very food and family-led, some people give part of their festive days to brighten other people’s, sharing some food and joy as not everyone has access to the commonly known Christmas happiness.

Four years ago, Keith Girling started giving part of his Christmas Day to the community and cooking free meals for veterans at Cleveland Square Community Centre in Newark.

The initiative started when Keith first heard that somebody was spending Christmas on their own, so he decided to cook an extra Christmas dinner as he said “it doesn’t take a lot of effort to cook an extra one”.

He said: “I'm a veteran myself and I know that Christmas can be very tough for veterans, especially those that are on their own, and I'd hate the thought of a veteran being on his own and not having a Christmas dinner, so I thought I'd cook Christmas dinners for those that would like one.”

An initiative that has been dedicated to former Armed Forces has expanded to pensioners this Christmas, following the cut on winter fuel allowance, which will impact millions of pensioners across the country.

“We all know that November is bad for veterans and December can be bad for veterans, and there are a lot of people who die by suicide around this time of year,” added Keith.

“I think just showing a bit of love and the fact that you care can go a long way, so that's why I did it.”

An idea that started with an extra plate, ended up growing to over 30 last year and already over 40 dinners booked for this year.

Seeing the Christmas spirit and kindness that was spread towards others, town businesses decided to join efforts and play their part this Christmas.

Chef George McMillan will be donating vegetables and pre-cooking them for the meals. Butcher Robert Doncaster will be donating turkeys, beef, and ham and Bakkavor Desserts will be providing tablecloths, napkins, crackers and desserts.

It involves more than just a homecooked meal, as some Christmas fun and entertainment, including bingo and presents for everyone, which have been donated by the community.

For those who don’t want to engage in the social environment but still wish to have a Christmas meal, there are takeaway Christmas dinners available.

The Christmas meal organiser said: “Some people leave it until the last minute because they don't really know what they're doing at Christmas and there is that stigma about the fact that they're on their own.

“But, to me, I believe in talking about things. The pressure of Christmas is not good for a lot of people, and not everybody likes Christmas.

“So this is about making it as pleasant as possible for the people that don't like it and some people love Christmas, but they've got no family anymore so it will be nice to share the day with them and hopefully they'll have a really good time.”

Veterans and pensioners interested in taking part in the meals and entertainment or simply receiving a free Christmas dinner can text Keith Girling on 07973 305598 or email cllr.keith.girling@nottscc.gov.uk.

There will be other festive events aiming to bring the community together and spread the festive spirit all around.

Newark’s Salvation Army Christmas Celebration Day is being held on December 22 from 10am until 3.30pm.

Everyone is invited to attend and enjoy a Christmas buffet lunch and themed activities. To book their space, people can email newark@salvationarmy.org.uk or call 01636 551609.

The Old Post Office pub will be doing a Communal Christmas Dinner on December 25 at 12.30pm.

For £26.49, people who will be spending Christmas alone can enjoy a three-course Christmas dinner at a big communal table.

Newark mayor Diane Ledger said: “Christmas can be a tough and lonely time for some people.

“Events that offer support and some company, especially at this time of year are a lifeline to those that don't have family or friends close by.

“They offer companionship, and a chance to meet new people. Anything that helps someone to feel less lonely and isolated is appreciated and a wonderful thing.”

Paul Peacock, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “I understand that the winter months can feel particularly isolating for some residents.

“Fortunately, Newark and Sherwood have a really strong sense of community and so many local places and hubs across the district are opening their doors this season, offering warm spaces and coffee mornings to anyone seeking companionship, support or guidance.

“We have worked with the amazing organisations and people behind these and have created our new Living Well booklet which includes lots of helpful advice and support as well as listings of the places to go in the Newark, Southwell and Sherwood areas, where residents can come together to enjoy a meal and company, meeting other people and making friends.

“Our Housing and Community Development teams are also helping to combat loneliness by organising a variety of activities for residents and tenants alike from festive film nights to fun days and Christmas cooking sessions.

“I know that it can be hard to head out of your house at times but, if you can, I want to reassure you that there are welcoming places for you.

“Our community is a warm and welcoming one and I’d like to ask you all a favour; if you are able to this Christmas, please check in on each other. You don’t know how much impact a few words of kindness to a neighbour might have and this season of selflessness is surely the best time for it.”