Despite the cancellation of its traditional lunch in Ripon, The Salvation Army has given gifts and festive treats to those in need across the Harrogate district.

On Christmas Day 2019, the Salvation Army Hall on Lead Lane was a hive of activity, as volunteers cooked and served three-course meals for dozens of people.

The lunch, held annually for almost two decades, will not take place today. As in 2020, it has fallen victim to coronavirus.

For the usual attendees, who are lonely, short of money or have health issues, the cancellation will come as a disappointment.

But behind the scenes, the spirit of Christmas has continued.

Although unable to invite guests for lunch, The Salvation Army has reached out to hundreds of men, women and children across the Harrogate district.

Donated gifts and festive treats (some of which are pictured above) were gathered through its annual appeal, from individuals, retailers and other businesses.

They have now been given to more than 150 families facing difficult circumstances.

Pat Clark and Alison Hewitt –  members of the church leadership team at Lead Lane – have witnessed the growing need across the district, as an increasing number of people have struggled to make ends meet.

Both believe that a combination of factors, including the increased cost of gas and electricity, the end of the furlough scheme, rising food prices and changes to Universal Credit, have added to a worsening situation for many.

Pat, told the Stray Ferret:

“Because of the semi-rural area that we live in, wages are traditionally low for a large number of people and those on a tight budget have no room for manoeuvre.

“This can lead to them getting trapped in a level of debt that they can’t handle and they don’t know where to turn.

“We are here to listen and help in a confidential and non-judgemental way.”

Alison, added:

“This year we have seen a lot more families who have been finding it hard and Christmas puts them under even greater financial  pressure.

“We hope that the gift packs that we are able to give them through the appeal have helped to ease their burden.”

The packs include four gifts, a book and a selection box for children and there are also presents for adults.

In addition, each family receives a bag of festive food goodies.

The names of recipients, which remain confidential, are provided by agencies that act as a link between those in need and The Salvation Army.

It is not as yet known if the Christmas Day lunch will be able to return next year, but the annual appeal will continue to provide a lifeline for families in the festive season.

Read more:

• Ripon company wins £106,000 contract to resurface city car park
• Lottery funding boost for Ripon museums

A helping hand is being extended to people struggling to make ends meet in Nidderdale.

The cumulative financial impact of the Covid-19 lockdowns is taking its toll on families and individuals.

The Vicar of St Cuthbert’s, the Rev Darryl Hall, is involved with the informal foodbank service based in Pateley Bridge.

He told the Stray Ferret:

“We are currently very well-placed to assist anybody who is in need of help.

“We receive incredible support from the local community – churchgoers and non-churchgoers alike.

“The shops in Pateley Bridge  have been brilliant in supporting a food voucher scheme we introduced. Morrisons Supermarket in Ripon regularly gives us food and other essential items – such as cleaning products.”

He added:

“Our aim is to ensure that people do not go without food. Nobody in Nidderdale need go hungry.”

Foodbank supporter Sarah Jones collecting items donated by Morrisons in Ripon (Photograph: Morrisons Supermarkets)

Rev Hall has charge of six parishes in a 100-square mile area stretching from Low Laithe to Middlesmoor.

He pointed out:

“The need is clearly there, as families and individuals find themselves having to make difficult financial decisions.

“We are here and able to help, thanks to the tremendous assistance from Bewerley Park outdoor learning centre and its staff.

“They have provided a much-valued storage facility that enables us to have plenty of food items available.”

The service is confidential, discreet and available to anybody – believers and non-believers alike.

The foodbank service has been extended to the neighbouring parish of Dacre with Hartwith and Darley with Thornthwaite.

Read more:

• More volunteers needed to help people in isolation in Nidderdale
• Pateley Bridge police station is up for sale

Alastair Ferneley, the vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Dacre Banks, told his parishioners:

“As the pandemic continues, we are aware that some people will not getting an income and may need some short-term support.

“Please do use this service to avoid getting into debt, or to lessen debt problems.”

Anybody requiring assistance can call Rev Hall on 01423 711414, Rev Ferneley on 01423 780262, or Nidderdale Plus on 01423 714953.