K’s Coffee Shop and Forres Baptist Church entertained on Christmas Day
More than 130 people enjoyed free food, drink and entertainment amongst great company in local venues on Christmas Day.
K's Coffee Shop on Falconer Avenue and Forres Baptist Church on Clovenside Road successfully organised drop-ins aimed at folk who might struggle during the festive time of year.
K’s co-owner, Stephanie Wallace, confirmed around 100 people attended her’s between 11am and 3pm, for a help-yourself buffet, games and sing-a-longs with live musicians.
She said: “It was fantastic - we had people queuing for the shop opening! Double the amount came than we had last year, if not more. The atmosphere was great, relaxed but electric at same time! We loved seeing so many people enjoying themselves.”
She added: “Our baristas Zac Judd and Caleb Poucher sang and played guitar. Reverend Stuart Finlayson also sang and played for us, despite feeling unwell. The music made the day feel even more special!”
Stephanie and co-owner Sue Farish opened on Christmas Day for the first time last year. The pair wanted to cheer themselves and others up on a day that had become difficult following the death of their brother and husband, Kevan, in 2022.
Attendees appreciated a raffle and board games as well as homemade soups, sausage rolls, quiche, sandwiches, Christmas cake and other sweet treats, some of which were donated by other local businesses.
“We received praise and thanks from people who attended,” said Stephanie. “Some said we made a real difference to their day.
“One gentleman who also attended last year, told us that since his wife had left him, he had spent every Christmas alone until we stared opening our door. He now looks forward to the day.
“We have so many people from the community who supported us by handing in donations of food and money including Iolaire, Forres Area Soccer Sevens, 5th Forres Brownies, The Pantry and Happy Little Preloved.”
For the third consecutive year, Forres Baptist Church offered free food and company from 10am to noon on December 24 and 25 too.
Church secretary, Rosemary Pannell, confirmed this year’s events were “lovely”.
She said: “The Christmas Day drop-in went really well. It was very relaxed and informal. We welcomed over 30 people of all ages including babies.”
Carols played in the background as the attendees shared food and drink.
“It was great to meet new people and chat in such warm comfortable space,” said Rosemary. “We had a lot of laughs.”
”We have a drop-in every Tuesday for anyone to come along too. We will be open on Hogmanay for anyone to visit from 10am to midday.”
