People who would otherwise spend Christmas Day alone have been coming to the volunteer-led event for almost 10 years, but now organisers have said they have run into "logistical challenges".

After outgrowing the space at Trowbridge Fire Station where it began in 2011, the lunch has been held in the Atrium at County Hall, and is now run by volunteers from the fire service, Wiltshire Council, Apetito and Elior, operating under the name Company For Christmas.

Fire service control crew manager Kate Dewey has been heavily involved in running the lunch since it started and is the lead organiser for Company for Christmas.

Speaking to the Wiltshire Times this week she refused to give the exact reasons behind the decision, putting it down to "unforeseen situations" and claiming people had been told in October.

However firefighters in Trowbridge and Wiltshire Council's own press office were unaware of the cancellation when contacted by the Wiltshire Times.

Ms Dewey said: "Unfortunately, due to logistical challenges that the organising team has faced, we have taken the difficult decision to cancel the company for Christmas Christmas Day lunch in Trowbridge for 2019

However The soup kitchen covered by Vineyard will be out on Christmas Day in the Trowbridge carpark at 7. They will be bringing hot food like roast pork and various other things. Other local events are happening, but not widely advertised as they would be unable to cope with number similar to last years 250 people.

Wiltshire Council Leader, Cllr Philip Whitehead, said: "It is unfortunate that this year's Christmas lunch, organised by Company for Christmas, is not taking place as we know how valued it has been by the local community. However, we're looking forward to meeting the organisers early next year to discuss their plans for 2020 and beyond and any support we can provide for future events."

https://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/18113371.christmas-day-lunch-no-due-logistical-challenges/?fbclid=IwAR3MjcbwSc1MzlBqZTVj2DF2Q9NpBbg6jUUdMu1D0r6oS95pdL8vFdvHGg8