Christmas Day - Times

Listed here are some of the key moments, as they relate to volunteers.

The nature of the event 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 is these quieter times, when there's a chance to simply sit and chat that make Norwich Open Christmas what it is.

​All times are approximate and may change on the day.
Team A: 9:45am - 2pm, Team B: 11:45am - 4pm, Team C: 1:45pm - 6pm

7.30am - Hall Opened by The Halls' Staff. A small group of Norwich Open Christmas Volunteers continue the hall preparation in readiness for the Team A volunteers and Guests to arrive later.

9:30-9:45am - Team A Volunteers Arrive & Sign-In.

10am - Refreshments Table Open - These are available free all day to both volunteers and guests. Refreshments will be taken to our guests by "Drinks to Table" team.  Volunteers' refreshments will be available in the Crypt.

10am onwards - Sorting Of Donated Food. This takes place in Blackfriar's Hall. Please assist with 'date checking & sorting' of the items of non-perishable foods brought in on Christmas Day morning(the majority of checking and sorting has been done on Christmas Eve). Lead Volunteer - Peter Salt.

11am - DOORS OPEN - Guests Arrive

11am onwards - Volunteers To 'Meet & Greet' Guests. Please help our guests to feel comfortable by meeting them as they arrive, showing them to a table of their choice.  Make sure that there is another volunteer to care for them. 

11:30-11:45am - Team B Volunteers Arrive & Sign-In.

12 Noon - Table Service Briefing - We ask all volunteers signed up for Table Service to gather in the Crypt Cloakroom at 12noon when you will be briefed on the system we have in place to enable the smooth service of Christmas Dinner to our guests. Lead Volunteer - Carol Lunney.

12.30 to 2pm (approx) - Christmas Dinner is Served.  We have a system in place so that all guests on a table are served their meals at the same time. This can only be achieved by all volunteers adhering to the table service system we have in place.

1:30-1:45pm - Team C Volunteers Arrive & Sign-In

2pm onwards - Guest Transport Available. For those guests needing a lift home please direct them to the Transport Desk where we can make arrangements for a volunteer to take them home. Please assist the guest and the Transport Co-ordinator by staying with any guest that may need to wait whilst transport is arranged.

2:30pm - Clothing Area Opens. The clothing area is in the cloisters.  Guests have an opportunity to find clothing to take home with them, and if they ask, please assist them with bags etc.

3:30pm - Christmas Tea is served.

3:30pm - Food Parcels Handed Out.  Six teams of volunteers will take food bags to each of the six areas of St Andrew’s Hall according to their table colour.  Once all guests have a food bag, if there are bags left over, then these will also be given to our guests.

5pm - DOORS CLOSE - Guests Depart.

5pm - 6pm Clear-Up Begins. Please assure guests that if they are waiting for transport etc after 5pm then volunteers will be remaining in the hall until 6pm to help with clearing up, and that guests are very welcome to wait with us.

6pm - The Last People All Go Home - Please enjoy the rest of your Christmas Day, and Thank You.

We now have enough Volunteers for 2019. Our website will open again in the new year for Christmas 2020.