Outline of the day

The nature of Norwich Open Christmas means that we can never completely predict how much work there will be to do. However, if you do find yourself without a particular role at some point in the day, and if you feel comfortable to do so, then please take time to sit and talk to our guests. It's in these quieter times, when there's a chance to simply sit and chat, that make Norwich Open Christmas what it is.

​Listed below are some of the key moments of Christmas Day - all times are approximate and may change on the day. 

Volunteers have shifts in three different teams

Team A: 10:00 to 14:00

Team B: 12:00 to 16:00

Team C: 14:00 to 18:00

Schedule

07:00 St Andrews Hall opens
​St Andrews Hall staff open the space and a small group of Norwich Open Christmas volunteers continue the hall preparation in readiness for Team A volunteers and guests to arrive later

​09:00 to 09:45 Team A volunteers arrive and sign in

10:00 Refreshments table opens
Refreshments are available free all day to both volunteers and guests

10:00 onwards Sorting of donated food
This takes place in Blackfriar's Hall

​​11:00 Doors open and guests start to arrive

​11:00 onwards Volunteers 'meet and greet' guests 
Volunteers meet and greet guests and show them to a table of their choice

​11:30 to 11:45 Team B volunteers arrive and sign in

​12:00 Table service briefing
All volunteers signed up for table service gather in the Crypt to be briefed on the system in place to enable the smooth service of Christmas Dinner to our guests

​12:30 to 14:00 (approx) Christmas Dinner is served
There is a system in place so that all guests on a table are served their meals at the same time

13:30 to 13:45 Team C volunteers arrive and sign in

14:00 onwards Guest transport available
Guests needing a lift home can be directed to the transport desk where we can make arrangements for a volunteer to take them home

14:30 Clothing area opens
The clothing area is in the cloisters - guests have an opportunity to find clothing to take home with them

15:30 Christmas afternoon tea is served

15:30 Food parcels are handed out
Six teams of volunteers will take food bags to each of the six areas of St Andrews Hall - once all guests have a food bag, if there are bags left over, then these will also be given to our guests

17:00 Doors close and guests depart

17:00 to 18:00 Clearing begins
Assure guests that if they are waiting for transport after 17:00 then volunteers will be remaining in the hall until 18:00 to help with clearing up, and that guests are very welcome to wait with us

​18:00 The last people go home
Enjoy the rest of your Christmas Day!