Hampshire Chinese association marks Christmas in style

Members of the Hampshire Chinese Elders’ Association met up for a hearty meal, games and a raffle at Friendship House in Elm Grove, Southsea.

It was a chance for them to come together and catch up and have some fun as they marked the festive season.

Roast pork, duck, beef, cabbage and fish was all cooked up by a hard-working team of volunteers, who were praised for their efforts.

Marshall Cheung, chairman of the association, said it was a lovely occasion.

He said: ‘It’s a chance for everyone to come together.

‘We normally come together fortnightly on a Monday for a lunch club in Friendship House.

‘It’s a nice thing for the elders to do.

‘Our aim is to create opportunities for the elders.

‘It was important for us to have this get-together as we saw it as the last day of 2016.

‘It was a Christmas celebration to mark the end of the year.’

The association formed in February this year as a way of improving links within the Chinese community.

Association members are now gearing up to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

And plans are being made to take elders out on a day trip, to either another place in the UK or overseas.

Mr Cheung said: ‘The atmosphere has been good.

‘And the nice thing is all of the elders were happy, and there was good conversation with each other.

‘Most of them know each other, but without this organisation, they have few chances to get together, as they live in different places.’

Praising the volunteers who helped yesterday, and paying tribute to residents in the area for their support, Mr Cheung said: ‘All of our workers are volunteers. Not only do they work very hard, but they respect the elders.

‘It’s why we have so much support. Their contributions are very appreciated and important to the association.

‘A merry Christmas to them, and to everyone here in the community.

‘We wish everyone good health.’