Poulton bar's inspiring festive offer

Abigail Woodcock of the Grapevine with children Ethan 12 and Anya 13

Abigail Woodcock was inspired to throw a special free festive party at The Grapevine in memory of her late mother. who died this year.

The night spot owner, who said goodbye to mum Jean Ray, 78, earlier this year, wants to put on a special Christmas dinner for anyone in the town facing the prospect of spending Christmas alone.

And since revealing her plans she’s been inundated with offers of help.

Abigail Woodcock is offering Christmas dinner to lonely Poulton residents

She said: “It’s been a difficult year for me.

“I lost mum earlier this year.

“I was starting to think Christmas was going to be a bit of a dog day for me.

“So I thought why not do something for the community.

“I put it to the children and they thought it would be a great idea.

“So we’ll be putting on a Christmas dinner at the Grapevine.

“It’s for a great cause and a great way to honour my mum.”

It was children Anya 13 and Ethan, 12 who convinced Abigail her idea would be a hit.

And, having been floated on social media, the Grapevine’s festive offer is already causing a stir around Poulton.

Abigail said: “Since we put it on social media I’ve had people stopping me around town offering support.

“We’ve got people saying they’ll do all sorts.

“We’ve had offers of deserts for the people that come, we’ve got people willing to come and peel potatoes for us, to do some washing up.

“There’s even been a turkey offered.

“It’s just been amazing.

“People are offering what they can.

“It’s nice to do something that brings the community together

“Now we just need to get the message out to people who might want to come.”

Abigail is willing to go out of her way to reassure people who she knows might be worried about going out to an unfamiliar venue.

She said: “If people want to call me, speak to me, that’s fine.

“I’m happy to go around to their house if that will help.

“We want as many people as possible to come and enjoy Christmas with us.”

Despite Abigail volunteering them to help out on Christmas Day, Anya and Ethan are still behind the plans.

Ethan said: “When mum told me I though it was a really generous thing to do.”

The event is proposed to be free of charge for those attending and anybody interested in attending – or who knows somebody who might – can contact Abigail Woodcock on 07949055158.