Exminster's Royal Oak pub lays on a festive feast for Westbank's service users

Up to fifty older people who are regularly supported by the Exminster-based health and wellbeing charity Westbank Community Health and Care have enjoyed a sociable Christmas lunch laid on by The Royal Oak pub in Exminster.

The pub has been an ardent supporter of the charity for several years and once again provided a fabulous 3-course meal to spread some festive cheer. The Year 6 choir from Exminster Primary School provided the entertainment, singing Christmas carols to the lunchgoers. 

100-year-old Ruth Coren from Exminster, a former nurse who turns 101 in the New Year, has been to the event once before. She said, “Rosie from Westbank kindly picked me up today to bring me here. I think it’s wonderful. I’m lucky to have family who live nearby, who I will be spending Christmas with, but it’s lovely to come along to this and socialise with everybody.”

John Williams, whose wife is in a care home, received an invitation for the first time. He said, “I know quite a few people who are here and it was a nice surprise to be invited along.”

Hazel Horne, who volunteers for Westbank, said, “Everyone has their own interesting story to tell and that’s what it’s about - getting a spark going. You can invoke memories with just a little conversation. It’s about sharing connections, not just food.”

Susan Ingham attended with her daughter and carer: “I recently lost my husband and I go along to a community club at Westbank every Tuesday. I sit with Hazel. We’re the Quiz Queens! We’re having a lovely time together today.”

Annette German, whose daughter works at Westbank, is a longstanding volunteer with the charity and helped to serve lunch at the pub: “People love coming here for this event. It gives them a chance to mingle with other people from Westbank, not just their regular group, and I think it gets them in the festive spirit. Some of them are so alone and they love being able to natter to people.”

Rosie Fellows, Westbank’s Community Development Manager, thanked the pub for all it has done to support the charity and local people. She said, “The Royal Oak generously pays for all this as their seasonal community offering to the people of Exminster. Westbank personally invited people from across our community groups and services, including Coffee on the Corner, and we lay on transport to make sure that anyone who wants to come can get here.” 

She added, “I think it’s a really lovely reflection of the village and the community spirit here. This is the second time in a few months that children from the local school have come to sing for our elderly. It’s wonderful to nurture those partnerships and connections that help to bridge the gap between different generations.”