Christmas spirits high at community lunch

Starting at 10am, volunteer drivers collected 15 elderly West Berkshire residents from their homes and took them to the Thatcham Christadelphian Hall for a two-course lunch, followed by quiz, a game of bingo, and a visit from Thatcham mayor and mayoress Mike and Mandy Cole (pictured).
Eight people who were unable to leave their homes had a Christmas lunch, a cracker and a festive goodie- bag delivered.
The event was funded by Greenham Common Trust, Thatcham Town Council and donations from a number of local residents and businesses, and Greenham Business Park-based call centre Verbatim and Newbury firm Web Squared donated their professional services to promote the event.
Several volunteers were recruited through Volunteer Centre West Berkshire.
Community Christmas organiser Caroline Billington said: “This is what it is all about for me. Friendships may start or be rekindled on Christmas Day, but they last all year and that can only be good for our communities.
“The event was only possible thanks to the donations of local people and businesses. I am truly grateful for their support.
“And, of course, nothing would be the same without the wonderfully cheerful volunteers and guests on the day.”