FESTIVE spirit and community warmth have been in full supply in Ashton-under-Lyne.
St Peter’s Community Gathering has hosted its annual Christmas Dinner and Afternoon Party for senior citizens.
The much-loved event took place on Tuesday, December 9, at West End Methodist Church on Trafalgar Square, bringing local residents together for an afternoon of food, music and companionship.
The three-hour celebration was organised by committee members Cllr Joyce Bowerman, Atta Ul-Rasool, Nicola Woods of Ashton Pioneer Homes, and Steve Crompton, with support from volunteers and local organisations.
Guests were treated to a traditional Christmas meal prepared by Allens Bakery in Audenshaw, alongside hot drinks, desserts, raffle prizes and a lively game of bingo.
Adding to the sense of community, members of the St Peter’s Neighbourhood Policing Team – Neighbourhood Police Officer Dan and PCSOs Andy and Lewis – joined the event, helping volunteers serve meals and spending time chatting with guests.
One of the highlights of the afternoon came from 30 pupils from St Peter’s CE Primary School, whose choir filled the hall with festive songs. The children also donated two carefully prepared hampers and presented each person with a “magic jar” message containing words of comfort, hope and positivity.
The Civic Mayor of Tameside, Cllr Shibley Alam, attended the celebration and thanked the organising committee, volunteers and the school choir for their contribution to the event.
The organisers also expressed their appreciation to those who donated raffle prizes and made financial contributions, as well as to Ashton Pioneer Homes for its support in the run-up and Minaz Aslam from Jigsaw Homes for donating a selection box for every senior citizen and each child in the school choir, and providing support throughout the afternoon.
Reflecting on the day, the committee said: “We love putting on our annual events like this, bringing people together is what we’re all about. After a well-deserved rest, we’ll be back in the new year planning and preparing for our free Annual Family Fun Day in summer 2026. Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.”