Norwich Open Christmas 2021
It is with sadness and regret that we have had to change the format of Norwich Open Christmas this year and the traditional Norwich Open Christmas that we had hoped to run has been cancelled.
This has not been an easy decision to make, nor one that we took lightly. We believe that the wonderful community atmosphere that we share at Norwich Open Christmas benefits everyone. Much work and preparation has been going on behind the scenes and we had hoped to resume service as usual after our enforced changes in 2020. However, in the present climate, we carefully considered the risks associated with a sit-down meal and have concluded that the safest thing to do, for all concerned, is to cancel those plans.
With the Omicron variant of Covid now becoming more prevalent and dominating our news headlines daily, we are aware that those who traditionally share in our event are often from amongst the most vulnerable groups. With the acceleration of events we are only too aware that this decision has had to be made late and we understand how upset some of you will feel about not being able to attend.
However, all is not lost. Our dedicated team of volunteers are amending plans so that we can provide company and food, in a different way, for those that need it at Christmas. We will be serving hot food outside St Andrews Hall between 12:30 and 3:00 on Christmas Day. You will be able to eat food outside and, although we are finalising arrangements, it is likely to be a hot turkey and stuffing bap with vegetable soup and a suitable pudding. We ran a similar service last year and it was well received by guests who came.
For guests who come on the day we will be able to provide bags of food to help you stock your cupboards, and for those who need them we will have a selection of clothes, as usual.
We will be doing a delivery of food and festive goods- not a hot meal- to people in their homes since we can't celebrate Christmas with them in person. To order a delivery to their door on Christmas Day please call 01603 510751, option 1.
Thank you for your understanding at this challenging time. We apologise for the sadness that this decision might cause, but believe that with the heightened risk to guests, their families and volunteers this is the only sensible course of action.
It is with sadness and regret that we have had to change the format of Norwich Open Christmas this year and the traditional Norwich Open Christmas that we had hoped to run has been cancelled.
This has not been an easy decision to make, nor one that we took lightly. We believe that the wonderful community atmosphere that we share at Norwich Open Christmas benefits everyone. Much work and preparation has been going on behind the scenes and we had hoped to resume service as usual after our enforced changes in 2020. However, in the present climate, we carefully considered the risks associated with a sit-down meal and have concluded that the safest thing to do, for all concerned, is to cancel those plans.
With the Omicron variant of Covid now becoming more prevalent and dominating our news headlines daily, we are aware that those who traditionally share in our event are often from amongst the most vulnerable groups. With the acceleration of events we are only too aware that this decision has had to be made late and we understand how upset some of you will feel about not being able to attend.
However, all is not lost. Our dedicated team of volunteers are amending plans so that we can provide company and food, in a different way, for those that need it at Christmas. We will be serving hot food outside St Andrews Hall between 12:30 and 3:00 on Christmas Day. You will be able to eat food outside and, although we are finalising arrangements, it is likely to be a hot turkey and stuffing bap with vegetable soup and a suitable pudding. We ran a similar service last year and it was well received by guests who came.
For guests who come on the day we will be able to provide bags of food to help you stock your cupboards, and for those who need them we will have a selection of clothes, as usual.
We will be doing a delivery of food and festive goods- not a hot meal- to people in their homes since we can't celebrate Christmas with them in person. To order a delivery to their door on Christmas Day please call 01603 510751, option 1.
Thank you for your understanding at this challenging time. We apologise for the sadness that this decision might cause, but believe that with the heightened risk to guests, their families and volunteers this is the only sensible course of action.
Volunteer Applications for 2021 are now closed.
If you have not been part of Norwich Open Christmas before and would like to apply for December 2022, please apply below.
If you have not been part of Norwich Open Christmas before and would like to apply for December 2022, please apply below.
If you feel that you have a good reason, e.g. bereavement, suddenly find yourself alone, to be considered,
please fill-in an application, with a FULL explanation of your reason in the "Additional Information" section.
All information is confidential and will not be shared with anyone.
please fill-in an application, with a FULL explanation of your reason in the "Additional Information" section.
All information is confidential and will not be shared with anyone.