BASINGSTOKE residents struggling with the cost-of-living crisis are invited to the Beggarwood Café for an affordable Christmas dinner.

The dinner will take place on Christmas Day from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, where a ticket will include a three-course meal, a drink, as well as musical entertainment. 

Tickets will cost £12 per adult and £6 per child, and for children aged 16 and under the ticket price will also receive a free gift. 

Event organiser Stacy Hart said: “We're delighted to be able to offer the community a proper Christmas dinner to those that may otherwise be alone or may struggle to do so at home this year. Christmas is a day which is difficult for many, even as lots of us celebrate with our loved ones.”

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The Gazette reported earlier this year that, according to data from the Department for Work and Pensions, approximately 12 per cent of children in Basingstoke were living in poverty during the first year of the pandemic.

Recent ONS research has shown that, nationally, 93 per cent of adults have found that their cost of living has risen from what it was a year ago, whilst 79 per cent believe that their cost of living has risen in the past month.

Stacy added: “At a time when the country is facing a catastrophic economic crisis and people are looking ahead to food and heating becoming unaffordable this winter, it’s vital that those of us that can work together to support each other and those most in need in the community. Our volunteer team is looking forward to a really lovely Christmas Day!”

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To buy a ticket to the Beggarwood Christmas Dinner, go to hatchwarren.org.