Her Majesty The Queen brings joy to Royal Voluntary Service guests at community “Festive Spread”
On 11 December, Her Majesty The Queen, Patron of Royal Voluntary Service, delighted some of the charity’s volunteers, clients and celebrity supporters by joining them at an extra special “Festive Spread”.
The Christmas lunch was hosted at The Amadeus in London as part of the charity’s work to bring joy, company, and support to as many people as possible this holiday season.
Celebrity supporters and ambassadors attending the celebrations included Felicity Kendal and Elaine Paige.
80 attendees delighted in a special Festive Spread meal, prepared with support from four catering students from West London College, who volunteered to help with cooking and serving the meal, and greeting guests.
Guests were thrilled when a giant Christmas pudding was wheeled in. The Queen poured branding over the pudding before the charity’s CEO Catherine Johnstone set it alight.
Guests were also entertained with a stunning performance by Frances Maddon, who sang a festive medley.
The Royal visit is part of Royal Voluntary Service’s Festive Spread campaign, which is enabling volunteers to provide festive lunches to people who may be spending the season alone. The charity is hosting over 70 “Festive Spread” events across the country - offering space to people who may otherwise have no one to celebrate with.
"I didn’t go anywhere or see anybody else for about two and a half years after my wife died. It was a really stressful time, but I just didn’t have the confidence to go out and do anything.
"I was nervous about coming to the centre at first, but it’s just been fantastic and it’s really changed my life. Everyone is so friendly. I didn’t know anyone when I first came here, but I have lots of friends now. The Christmas celebration at the Royal Voluntary Service centre is the only day over Christmas that I won't spend on my own. Without it, I wouldn't see anyone at all."
William Edwards, who is attending his local Royal Voluntary Service Festive Spread event
"We were delighted to welcome Her Majesty to our very special Festive Spread and are enormously grateful for her continued support of Royal Voluntary Service. Today was a chance to celebrate the work that our teams do to ensure that people aren’t alone at Christmas, and all year round, and to bring joy and cheer to some of the people we support. For some, it could be the only Christmas meal they get to enjoy in company. This is why our Festive Spread campaign is so important. We want many others to have this opportunity too."
Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service
Royal Voluntary Service volunteers not only help ensure fewer people spend the festive season alone but support the health and wellbeing of thousands of people all year round. Volunteers give their time to support a huge range of vital services such as Royal Voluntary Service lunch and social clubs, where people gather to stay active, healthy and socially connected, by providing community transport, supporting dementia services, delivering books via the home library and helping the NHS by supporting people both in and outside of hospital.
As well as delivering more in-person festive events than ever before, the charity’s Calls with Care service will also offer seasons greeting to those unable to leave their homes. The Virtual Village Hall will also host a variety of activities in the lead up to Christmas, culminating in the Virtual Festive Spread Celebration event on 13 December 2024, which is open to all who wish to join.
