FOR the past 15 years or so, members of the Rotary Club of Innerleithen Walkerburn and Traquair have pulled on their aprons and rolled up their sleeves to serve up the RVS Christmas Dinner in Innerleithen.

Originally the meal was cooked and supplied by St Ronan’s House, but for the past couple of years, all the elements of the three-course dinner have been donated, cooked and served by members of the Rotary Club.

And the good news is, at least two members who have food hygiene accreditation certificates were supervising on the day.

This year the lunch was served in the Hall of Friendship in Innerleithen Parish Church last Friday, where the RVS day-care takes place.

Utilising the Church’s excellent new kitchen facilities, members of the Rotary served up a meal to remember.

The 25 guests and carers began their lunch with home-made tomato soup, naturally followed by the traditional turkey, stuffing, pigs in blankets, roast potatoes, roast parsnips and brussel sprouts.

For pudding, there was a choice of traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce or a home-made sherry trifle.

Following the meal, the Rotarians and helpers completed the carers’ day off by washing up and putting away the cutlery and crockery.

Santa was unavailable to attend this year, so Rotary President Tom Hardie substituted, handing out presents, courtesy of the Rotary, for each of the guests after the meal.

On behalf of the RVS carers and clients, Cleo Binns thanked all the kitchen and serving brigade who had prepared, cooked and served the delicious meal.

She explained that it is such a treat for the carers to have this meal every year, as it means that they have a respite from the normal thrice weekly, serving and clearing up, which they conduct every time they meet.