Islington pensioners celebrate Christmas

Seventy five older people celebrated Christmas with a free party at Islington's Assembly Hall.

Pensioners and carers joined Islington Mayor Jilani Chowdhury and Council leader Catherine West, at the special Christmas Lunch organised by Islington Council.

In keeping with the tradition of seasonal goodwill,generous businesses - including City law firm Linklaters - covered the cost of the traditional turkey dinner, spreading some much-welcome Christmas cheer among older folk.

The entertainment was from Elizabeth Garrett Anderson school choir and popular four-piece combo Déjà Vu.

All guests went home with a £5 Sainsbury's gift voucher.

Cllrs Barbara Sidnell, Barry Edwards, Paul Convery, Janet Burgess, Jean-Roger Kaseki, Chief Executive Lesley Seary and MPs Emily Thornberry and Jeremy Corbyn (dressed as Santa Claus) were all on hand to serve hungry pensioners and help the party go with a swing.

20 Town Hall staff gave up their time to help while local businesses and suppliers provided food, drink and gift vouchers.

Cllr Janet Burgess, Islington Council's executive member for health and wellbeing said:

"Our Pensioners' Christmas Party is a chance to say 'thank you' to Islington's older people for the contribution they have made and still make in the borough.

"Thanks are also due to Linklaters London, council staff volunteers and councillors who came together once again to create a memorable afternoon."

Older People's Champion Frances Davidson and Cllr Janet Burgess encouraged party goers to 'throw their hats in the ring' and apply for the second Older People's Champion post previously held by Virginia Lowe.

Two Islington's Older People's Champions were appointed in 2011 and have worked tirelessly to represent the borough's 17,600 pensioners and give evidence to the council's older people's services.

Contributors to the Pensioners Christmas Party included Linklaters, London; Arsenal FC; Clerkenwell Charities; Mulalley and Co. Ltd.; Islington United Charities; Budgens, Tysoe Street; Tesco, Pentonville Road and The Morris Charitable Trust.

The event was catered by Hillside Clubhouse - a resource for people with mental health problems.