Express & Star

Christmas meal held for elderly at Wednesbury centre

Around 250 elderly people from across Sandwell enjoyed a Christmas dinner at a spiritual centre.

Published
Last updated
Mavis Hughes, Cllr Olwen Jones , mayor Ann Jaron and Palo Kaur.

The special meal was held at the Centre for Oneness (Sant Nirankari Mandal UK) on December 7.

The centre, in Great Western Street, Wednesbury, is for all people of all faiths and no faith.

Each guest enjoyed a vegetarian meal including lasagne, followed by a pudding of a Christmas log/mince pies with custard and ice cream.

The vision for the event was to bring people together, especially the Sandwell elderly residents where some may spend Christmas on their own.

Event co-ordinator, Palo Kaur, said: “We are all about ‘Building Bridges Not Walls’ peace and unity bringing together different communities and different faiths.”

“Community cohesion is what this event is all about.”

The Oneness centre which originates from New Delhi holds this event each year.

It relies on sponsorship money to hold the event each year.

But this time round, organisers were boosted by a £1,600 grant thanks to community organisation Wednesbury 2000 and Sandwell Council.

The event has been running for more than 10 years and it is always well attended by the elders of the community.

Also in attendance was Sandwell Mayor, Dr Ann Jaron.

It is a tradition to serve a vegetarian meal each year, as meat - alongside alcohol - is not allowed on the premises.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.