On the 18th of December between 1-3pm in the Highbury Canteen at London Metropolitan University volunteers from the university hosted a Christmas dinner for local residents in partnership with Manor Gardens Community Centre and Islington Council. 100 residents, that have been nominated by the Islington Food Network, attended the dinner where they received a hot home cooked meal. The food was prepared, cooked and served by students studying at London Metropolitan University, as well as staff and community volunteers.
Some of the groceries for the lunch were donated by Pete Doherty through the Islington Food Partnership. The meat was from the University’s food supplier and the vegetables from the Islington Food Partnership, from local traders on Nags Head Market consisting of potatoes, carrots, brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, gravy granules and apple sauce.
Residents were able to enjoy main courses of roast turkey – served with garlic and thyme potatoes, balsamic sprouts, maple carrots and braised red cabbage or a vegan wellington – served with garlic and thyme potatoes, balsamic sprouts, maple carrots and braised red cabbage. For dessert, mince pies, panettone and chocolate favourites served with custard were on offer.
In addition to the Christmas dinner, residents will also be served coffee curtesy of Lavazza, who have provided raffle prizes including a Lavazza coffee machine and Arsenal signed T-shirt.
Laura Thomas-Hockey, Head of Partnerships and Development at Manor Gardens Welfare Trust commented: “The event was a wonderful example of what can happen when we all come together. The partnership between Islington Council, Manor Gardens, and London Metropolitan University made this event so special.”
Pamela Aristokle, Head of Community Partnerships at Islington Council, added: “Events like this remind us how important it is to support each other and celebrate what makes our community so strong.”
