Sister pubs the Woodman Inn in Nuthampstead and the Pheasant in Great Chishill welcomed more than 100 senior residents to a free community lunch.

Nutwood Pubs, which owns both the Woodman and the Pheasant, restarted its Christmas lunch for elderly residents after a two-year gap due to Covid, with attendees nominated by the community.

Royston Crow: The community lunch at the Pheasant in Great ChishillThe community lunch at the Pheasant in Great Chishill (Image: Nutwood Pubs)

With the help of friends and neighbours, more than 100 people were invited to the pubs for a complimentary Christmas lunch with all the trimmings, served by teams of 'Nutwood elves'.

VIPs in attendance included the Mayor of Buntingford Duncan Wallace, county and district councillor for Buntingford Jeff Jones, plus other town councillors Pat and Mick Furness along with Buntingford town clerk Jill Jones.

Royston Crow: Elderly residents were nominated by the community to attend the lunch at the Woodman InnElderly residents were nominated by the community to attend the lunch at the Woodman Inn (Image: Nutwood Pubs)

In addition to festive food and drink, there was a free raffle, and Martin Prescott of Nutwood Pubs led a sing-along of 'The 12 Days of Christmas' at the Woodman.

Events manager Natalie Duncker said: "Everyone had a really great time, including staff and other customers present on the days.

"It’s heart-warming for us to be able to give something back to the communities that have been so supportive of our pubs through the last few years."

Royston Crow: Senior residents attended the community lunch at the Pheasant Senior residents attended the community lunch at the Pheasant (Image: Nutwood Pubs)

The organisers thanked Cllr Jeff Jones and the Buntingford Community Bus for transporting residents from Dixon Place, as well as the drivers of HertsLynx for providing transport for other guests.

Members of the community were also thanked for their generosity in contributing to the Nutwood Community Lunch fund - the surplus from which will be donated to good causes in the surrounding area.

Royston Crow: Volunteers helped transport the residents to the community lunchesVolunteers helped transport the residents to the community lunches (Image: Nutwood Pubs)

The next event to be held at the pubs is Burns Night, which will take place at the Woodman Inn at 7pm on Wednesday, January 25, and throughout the evening of Thursday, January 26 at the Pheasant.

Royston Crow: The Woodman Inn in Nuthampstead The Woodman Inn in Nuthampstead (Image: Nutwood Pubs)

For Burns Night at the Woodman, diners can join in the toasting of haggis with a glass of Scotch, bagpipes and a reading of An Ode to the Haggis.

At the Pheasant, guests can enjoy an evening of Scottish-themed food and drink with a few surprises in store.

For more information, or to book, go to https://www.thewoodman-inn.co.uk/events or https://www.pheasantgc.com/events.