Budleigh Salterton Lions Club held their annual  Christmas Community Lunch in the Public Hall on Saturday, December 9.

One hundred and seventeen guests from Budleigh and the nearby villages were served a complimentary three course Christmas lunch (plus mince pies, teas and coffees) with all the trimmings and refreshments including wine and sherry. The food was cooked and served by Lions Club members and their partners and friends. 

After lunch local resident Peter Dolling played the organ and the Lions and guests sang carols. Additional entertainment was provided by the Otter Folk Band.    

Local resident Chris said: "It was a brilliant afternoon, the food was delicious, the service was excellent. The Lions have done a wonderful job bringing so many local people together at Christmas time." Another guest said "Great atmosphere, great food and a wonderful time, thank you Budleigh Lions." 

The Lions would like to thank Budleigh Fish & Chips who kindly donated the potatoes and Sampson's Butchery & Deli in Budleigh who kindly donated the delicious turkeys. 

Richard Allen, the president of  Budleigh Salterton Lions Club, said: "The Community Christmas Lunch is one of my favourite days of the year. The Lions, together with partners and friends, come together to plan and deliver a very special community event.

"I am extremely proud that we have managed to cook and serve a delicious Christmas meal to 117 local people free of charge. I want to thank everyone who has donated to our appeals or bought our raffle tickets during the year. This enables us to do what we do best, serve our community. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a very happy New Year."

For more information about the Lions. or to make a donation towards their community work, contact them via their website www.budleighlions.com.  Membership of the Lions Club is open to men and women of all ages.