A WOMAN is looking for volunteers to help spread some festive cheer to those in need after an annual event was cancelled.

Julie Evans, 77, has organised a day of food and fun at St Oswald's Church Parish Centre in Oswestry on Christmas Day for vulnerable and isolated people.

Those who are welcome to attend include the homeless, disabled people, pensioners and those who feel isolated.

Julie set up the event after CHALK CIC announced that it could not run is Open House event – for which she had previously – this year.

"It seemed a pity that the people who have come and enjoyed it over the years wouldn't have somewhere to this year, so I have taken it upon myself to organise it," she said.

The charity will still make Christmas delivery runs and plans to hold another Open House next year.

Julie, of Llanfechain, is a familiar face to homeless people in Oswestry, where she offers friendship and emotional support.

She is also part of the Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations.

The community servant is looking for volunteers to help on the day and donations suitable for a Christmas event.

She added that she is "desperately" searching for a cook to prepare the festive feast.

The event, which runs from 12.30-5pm, which include a Christmas lunch, music and plenty of humour from Julie.

Of such events, she said: "There's a lovely atmosphere and that's the important thing; rather than spend the day alone and sad, they can hopefully spend it in the company of others and be happy."

The event can cater for up to 50 diners and 10 volunteers.

Anyone who is interested can call Julie Evans on 01691 828 823.

communications@shropshire.gov.uk

CHALK announced that it cannot hold its event this year as Shropshire Council could not offer The Centre on Oak Street for free due to budget cuts.

Director Gemma Cassin said that Shropshire Council had asked them to pay around £650 for the room, which would have put the overall cost in the region of £1,500.

"We could have fundraised for it but it may have left us short for other aspects (of our work) so it became too risky," she said.

She added that if the council were going to charge CHALK every year for the event, they would have to look for a new venue.

Miss Cassin expected an update on the venue in the New Year.

A Shropshire Council spokesman said: "Although Shropshire Council do not contractually fund CHALK CIC, it has over previous years contributed ‘in kind’ through specific equipment and/or works.

"This issue does not centre around a reduction in funding of homelessness services; it concerns room hire fees at The Centre, Oswestry. Shropshire Council are currently liaising with Oswestry Town Council to resolve the matter as pragmatically as possible."