Festive food parcels packed up for final time (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Festive food parcels packed up for final time

Kingsdown School students help pack parcels for the elderly, from left, Selina Knott, 15, Emily Ireson, 14, Louise Cramp, 14, and Emma Williams, 14 Ref: 200002-4IT is the end of an era for a Stratton volunteer group that delivers Christmas food parcels to the elderly.

After 40 years of providing the parcels to residents in Stratton St Margaret and Nythe, Stratton Age Concern has spread its festive cheer for the final time.

John Murphy, of Stratton, has been involved with the group for the last 15 years, and has been chairman for the past three.

"It is a sad day, but we have not been able to find anyone to take over. We just can't get enough people to take posts on the committee for it to continue.

"Most of the current members are getting older, and we even have some in their 80s.

"It is a lot of hard work, and sadly, we had to come to the decision that it was just getting too much."

The group started off as a project that was organised by the churches in the Stratton and Nythe areas.

It was originally known as the Stratton Old People's Welfare group.

Age Concern became involved 30 years ago. "It has just gone on from there," said Mr Murphy.

The group fundraises throughout the year in order to raise enough money to purchase the goods.

This year they raised a staggering £5,000 to help the area's elderly pensioners celebrate.

"Over the years we have held concerts and all sorts to bring in the pennies," said Mr Murphy.

"I think people will definitely miss it when it is not around next year."

On Friday, students from Kingsdown School helped other volunteers to assemble 1,500 parcels for the final time.

"It really is the end of an era," said John.

Everyone on the committee would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported and helped them over the years.

"We've held a mini market, bring and buy sales, and held concerts over the years.

"The parcels are always well received and everyone is very appreciative.