Without meaning to sound bah-humbuggish, the last couple of years haven’t inspired much festivity in the December issue of On The Hill, and I’m not sure this year fares any better. It’s difficult to provide a dash of glitz while simultaneously making sure people are aware of the new warm bank, and know how to donate to (or attend) the foodbank.
The new wellbeing café in the Primrose Hill Community Centre is to double up as a warm bank and provide a much-needed resource for people who face the choice of stratospheric utility bills, or shivering under a blanket. It will provide some nourishing food to those who need it, and the opportunity to keep warm, at least for a short while.
Meanwhile, our shops in Primrose Hill also have their utility bills to pay, so let’s support them as best we can, and buy all our Christmas presents, food and drink from them. We’ve suggested various gifts to buy on pages 18 and 19, but also remember to make good use of the butcher, fishmonger, fruit and vegetable shops, Italian delicatessens and off-licences. Between them, they’ll furnish you with the very best of festive dinners.
Throughout the month of November, the foodbank were asking people to donate an item of food each day to put into a hamper for a family this Christmas. If you missed being able to do this, do try to donate food or money to them (details are on page 21).
As I began with Scrooge, so I conclude: “If I could work my will, every idiot who goes about with ‘Merry Christmas’ on his lips should be boiled with his own pudding and buried with a stake of holly through his heart. He should!”
Have a good one!