Clunybank Christmas cracker
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THE OWNERS of Clunybank Hotel brought some goodwill into the lives of a deserving couple on Christmas Day.
Julia Kenny delivered a Christmas dinner, prepared by her husband Lloyd, straight to the door of the winners of a free lunch competition written about in the "Gazette" on December 5.
"The couple that received the meal were very deserving and appreciative," said Julia. "We only had around ten nominations but we hoped that more people would do something like this themselves after reading about the idea."
Julia added that nominations had come from a variety of places including: children wanting to thank their parents for looking after them through illness; parents with sick children; and for people who were set to be alone on Christmas Day.
She explained that the recipients, who prefer to remain anonymous, are an elderly couple who were active volunteers in a variety of projects and local fundraising. The pair have had a series of misfortunes in the past couple of months due to accidents and illness.
"The lady was really lovely and she phoned later in the afternoon to thank us," said Julia. "We also received a card from the couple which read:
"Your generous gesture this Christmas Day warms our hearts. We have never before had the good fortune to enjoy a complete dinner through the good offices of complete strangers. Believe me when I say that this year your kindness and perfect gift was especially appreciated. With thoughts sincere in every way. Thank you so much."
The nominator, who also wishes to remain anonymous, said that the couple were dear friends who had an "annus horribilis" and were having to cope with huge lifestyle changes.
"To my great surprise and delight they were selected and were overwhelmed to hear they were to be the benefactors of such a generous gift," she said. "It totally transformed their Christmas and they appreciated every morsel."
The Kennys said that their gesture was a pleasure and that they wished they could have done it for more people.
Being so tied to their business has meant that they have not been able to meet as many people in Forres as they would have liked. They wanted to give something back to the area that has supported them in some small way.
Julia and Lloyd hope to hold a similar event in the future.
