ELEVEN years ago St Mary and St Nicholas Church in Littlemore decided to hold a Christmas lunch for people who were feeling alone on December 25.

The event has gone from strength to strength and organisers expect up to 100 people to turn up at this year, with bingo and carols as well as a freshly cooked lunch on the menu.

Transport can also be arranged to help people get to John Henry Newman Academy in Grange Road, where the lunch is held.

St Mary and St Nicholas vicar Tom Albinson said he was delighted the event was still proving so popular.

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He said: “At the first one they cooked turkeys in people’s homes and brought them along. Now we have a professional chef who cooks for us from fresh.

“We are approaching 100 people coming along now, we have a real mix of people come along, at least one family will be coming.

“But it is predominantly elderly people who feel alone on Christmas Day.

“It really is open to all, there will be Grace said to start off with but it is not a church event.”

Volunteer Tom Bower has been involved with the lunch since it started and will be calling the bingo again.

The 57-year-old teacher spends his Christmas involved with church events such as Midnight Mass and the crib service on Christmas Eve.

He said: “It is so rare nowadays when something happens out of generosity for the community.

“It is done by the community, not a bunch of do-gooders from outside. It is from the grassroots up.

“Being involved makes me feel so proud to be part of it. It makes me feel good to be part of Littlemore.

“It brings people together who perhaps do not know each other who realise how much they have in common – it is absolutely wonderful.”

This year’s lunch will cost £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children. There is a vegetarian option available.

The event will run from 1pm to 4pm.

To book your place at the Christmas lunch call Caroline Gale on 01235 200011



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