Christmas Day celebration enjoyed by Compton and Downlands residents

The local community enjoyed a special Christmas Day celebration on Sunday.

Around 14 guests and volunteers gathered at the Wilkins Centre, Compton for their Christmas lunch. Little time had passed when Santa arrived with presents for all, followed by Christmas games, listening to the Kings' Christmas Speech and helpings of Christmas Pudding and handmade pavlova.

Visitors relished the free and community minded occasion, especially with such gloomy weather. This year's event was made even more successful thanks to The Crown & Horns at East Ilsley, which kindly supplied all of the food — a welcome contribution during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis .

Members joined from Compton and also from Chilton, Donnington, Wantage and Goring, including two old friends who re-united for the first time in 12 year

This year marked 10 years since chair Patricia Burnett started the event and it has run it every year since — including during the pandemic as a delivery service — providing food and companionship for those who may be living alone in Compton and the surrounding villages. Transport is even provided where required.

The group are extremely thankful for all the volunteers who help to raise funds and devote their Christmas Day to support the occasion.

Over the years, the group has received regular donations from Lafford & Leavey, Compton Parish Council and the Village Hall Committee.

Planning is now under way for next Christmas.