*****************Thank You Guy For your great support. *********************
Remember like EN1GMA and thomasleep
People are not only alone at Christmas and not only old people are alone so why not see in your neighbourhood if there is someone who is lonely and befriend them to show there is someone who cares.

BUT only do it if you can afford time. Some one who is lonely will need time to go over their experience or in time of need will knock on your door at 3am.

(trying to be as quick as possible) I had such an 89yr old neighbour who before we moved to the area had no relatives or no one in the neighbour who wanted to know him, i.e. had siblings but no children of his own. As soon as we moved in not knowing the above issue I starting saying hello. He only got the confidence to talk to me. One night he did knock on my door at 3am. He just came in and was in a state of panic. When you don't have anyone you will go like a zombie(sorry that's the only word I could use to describe the state he was in) some one would say he is mental but all he needed was some on to talk to. He had a dog who he adored. When this dog died he got another one exactly the same breed colour, he could tell the difference but I couldn't. He needed someone with him to talk to even if it was a dog. He had a old 60's car which he kept until it no longer could pass the MOT and he couldn't afford the off street parking. The reason he was attached to the car was because his mum liked it, it was the car they used to travel in. The car kept him going. He didn't want to go to or join any day centre or even church as he didn't have the confidence to go in public place to spend the day. He died some 20yrs but in vain. WHY I ask.

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Strictly for the lonely elderly only!!!
I saw the poster on the window yesterday.

Cafe 104 are providing full 3 course Christmas meals for those who will be left alone.

I didn't know it but they have been doing this for a few years.

I don't know if it is for locals only but guess so.

If you know someone who is going to left alone on the day and could benefit let them know...

Address: 104 Tanners Lane | Barkingside, Ilford, IG6 1QE
Cuisine: European, Turkish

Tel. 020 8550 9563

Googled and found the article on the link
"
Shep Hanger and her husband Richie are planning a huge celebration at Cafe 104 on Christmas day including a traditional three course dinner, a raffle, and a performance from local guitarist, James Healey.

They are hoping it will be a place for senior citizens to celebrate Christmas surrounded by friendly faces.

“People don’t realise that there are so many elderly people who spend Christmas alone,” said Shep, who owns the cafe, in Tanners Lane, with her brother, Tom Aygul.

Having already hosted Christmas at Café 104 back in 2013, Shep was once again inspired by her elderly customers.

She said: “It’s nice to do something for the community. I speak to lots of elderly customers when I’m working, and they don’t always have anyone to celebrate with.”

Shep and Ritchie will be catering for 48 guests and have recruited their close friends and family to help with the celebrations.

“I want to do it like a big party. It will be a luxury day where everyone can have fun and listen to music.” said Shep.

The café will be open on Christmas Day from 12pm until 4pm. To book your free place contact Shep on: 020 8550 9563
"
Bonus also is the cab office next door has offered to provide free pick up drop off for those who need it. This is not in the article but the staff said this news.

I commend the couple who are giving back to the community who have supported them.