Dunottar PTA hosts Caring at Christmas Event

On Saturday 9th December, Dunottar Parent Teacher Association hosted a ‘Caring at Christmas’ lunch at Dunottar School for 110 elderly residents in the Redhill and Reigate area.

The annual event, which began three years ago, aims to provide a traditional Christmas lunch and company for members of the community who would otherwise be spending Christmas Day alone.

Nicola Wintle, who is both a teacher at Dunottar and has two children at the school, said: “It’s a fantastic day when parents, pupils and staff come together to reach out to the local community and invite them for a festive day of entertainment and excellent food.  

“Our marvellous catering staff gave up their time to cook a really tasty Christmas lunch. After this, there was carol singing, led by pupils. A tense and competitive day of bingo rounded the day off.  

“Before our guests were dropped off home, they were given a bag of gifts, paid for by pupils, who had sponsored the event. The spirit of Christmas is very evident, and they all enjoyed the day.  

“The Caring at Christmas event can often trigger the start of long-term support and friendship—not only between the guests, but also the families involved and the people they meet.”

Headmaster, Mark Tottman, commented: “Caring at Christmas is an outstanding example of our Dunottar family at its best. We served a traditional Christmas lunch at school for 110 elderly residents from the Redhill and Reigate area who would otherwise be spending Christmas Day alone. Lunch was accompanied by music from our pupils, and dessert included a game of bingo! The team spirit was inspiring—from parents and governors driving our guests to and from school, to the 45 pupils who gave up their day to serve lunch and chat, to the team of staff and caterers who worked alongside parents in organising the day. Our guests really appreciated it, and our pupils were kind, friendly and a credit to the school.”