PENSIONERS from North Yorkshire enjoyed lunch at 10 Downing Street with the stars from Strictly Come Dancing and the Prime Minister to celebrate a campaign to tackle loneliness.
The three pensioners – Jeanne and Barry Fletcher and Micky Johnson – from Easingwold were among a group of 20 who travelled down from Yorkshire.
They had been invited to the party by the Prime Minister to highlight the issue of loneliness and great examples of community work to combat it.
Mr and Mrs Fletcher and Mrs Johnson are regulars at the Friendship lunches started earlier this year at the Durham Ox pub near Easingwold to bring isolated pensioners together.
They have been so popular that lunches have also been held at other pubs in the Provenance Inns group, including the Black Bull at Moulton, near Richmond, and the Carpenters Arms, near Thirsk.
The Prime Minister said: “Christmas is a time that should be filled with joy and celebration – not loneliness and isolation. And yet there are too many people, often older people, who will spend this festive season alone.
“Whether it’s popping round for a chat, making a cup of tea, donating a gift, or just keeping in touch, you can’t underestimate what a big difference small, caring acts and companionship can make to someone who is on their own.”
The party lunch was served up in the state dining room at No 10. To the surprise of the guests, the stars of Strictly Come Dancing arrived, with Aljaz Skorjanec demonstrating a beautiful fox-trot and the charismatic Kevin Clifton taking guests for a twirl on the dance floor.
The party was also joined by Anton du Bec and his partner Katie Derham from the top-rated BBC show and Yorkshire MPs Kevin Hollinrake and Rishi Sunak.
Sasha Ibbotson, of the Durham Ox, said she and her husband, Michael, started the lunches earlier this year after becoming aware of the isolation some elderly people in rural areas face.
She said: “We wanted to do something practical. Loneliness can be a real problem in country districts and the lunches at the Durham Ox really took off which is why we extended the concept to the other Provenance Inns.”
Kevin Hollinrake, who helped launch the first Friendship lunch at the Durham Ox, said: “I am delighted the Friendship lunches have been recognised for the goodwill they bring.
“Sharing conversation over a meal is a great way to bring people together. Rural life can mean many residents may have times when they feel isolated but the Provenance Inns’ idea shows that community spirit is alive in North Yorkshire.”
Rishi Sunak said he applauded the Provenance Inns’ lunches. “I was delighted to support this initiative and was very pleased when it was extended to the Black Bull.
“The Prime Minister has highlighted an important issue for rural communities. A simple idea like this can make such a difference.”