More than 100 Wycombe pensioners were treated to a special meal last week, honouring a century-old tradition.
The High Wycombe Guarantor’s Dinner is an event which dates back to 1910, with community figures donning their chef whites to prepare and serve food for the many invited guests.
The annual event – which was held last Wednesday at Adams Park - was originally started as a Christmas celebration, but in recent times has happened in January in a bid to celebrate the town and district.
Mayor of High Wycombe, Cllr Mohammed Hanif, said: “It was my first time going to this event and I thought it was a very noble gesture to do such a thing for our town’s senior citizens.
“Representatives from businesses were on hand to give out food and look after some of the guests – it was a really great occasion.
“I felt very proud to be a part of it, especially to see smiles on their faces and see how much they were enjoying it.”
He added: “It is amazing to think that this rich tradition started over 100 years ago and is still going.
“We all should be very grateful for events like this, to see businesses pay something back to the community and to people who have done so much for this town and district over the years.”
The tradition is for each “guarantor” to bring two senior citizens with them, before they serve food and drink to them throughout the afternoon.
The guarantors then return in the evening for their own meal.
Joining Cllr Hanif and other community figures at the event were Wycombe Local Policing Area commander Ed McLean and deputy commander, chief inspector Rebecca Mears.
Supt McLean said: “This is the third year I have had the privilege to support this event.
“Serving lunch here today [Wednesday] gives chief inspector Mears and myself a chance to talk to older people from the community. There’s been plenty of laughter and New Year cheer.
“We’ve also been keen to hear different opinions on community and policing in Wycombe.
“Spending time with older people like this makes you recognise the sacrifices and role these residents have made during their life and how they have enriched High Wycombe and help make it what it is.
“We are both immensely proud to be part of a town tradition dating back more than a century.”
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