The answer is, with the Salvation Army in Peterborough as a helper, part of a big logistics operation to transport 100 clients to the citadel and provide them with Christmas dinner, entertainment, and items to take home on the day. A large number of S.A. church members were present before and on the day, preparing food etc, and cooking it on the day. The guests had traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, Shloer grape juice, Christmas pudding, afternoon tea, the lot. They were entertained after lunch by several Salvation Army people who left the kitchen to play Christmas music for them, as the scheduled entertainment did not turn up. Then everybody was transported home in taxis and minibuses, mainly provided for free by their drivers. Everybody seemed to have a great time, including us extra volunteers. Photos courtesy of Mr Preston, a fellow volunteer.
Below: that was the table I waited on. There I am on the rightmost edge of the photo, with Nic who, as a former waiter himself, showed me the ropes. There we are practising melting into the wall whilst our guests are eating, ready to spring forward if they need us.
More guests, Mrs Preston in centre in cream outfit.
And more guests...
Below: Here we are in the sanctuary, having served tea and watched the Queen's speech, and we are just about to bring in the coat racks and marshal the taxis. These are the civilian volunteers who turned out in addition to the many church members on duty. As we had 100 clients, there must have been one helper to about every three clients, although some were ensconced in the kitchen all day. Roll on next year!
