Volunteers spread a bit of Christmas cheer
Christian groups deliver festive meals to elderly across the district
CHRISTIANS from around Newbury showed that no one should go without at Christmas time by organising their annual Christmas Day meal delivery service for the elderly.
With the help of about 40 devoted volunteers, including children from West Berkshire and a refugee family from Syria who attend Jesus Disciple Church, a total of 110 meals were delivered across Newbury, Thatcham, Kintbury and Hungerford.
The event was organised by Sam and Joanna Abraham – the pastors of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Jesus Disciples Centre Newbury – on behalf of Christians Together in the Newbury Area (CTNA).
The deliveries ensured that many elderly residents who would otherwise have been on their own on Christmas Day were able to enjoy a tasty festive meal.
Newbury’s deputy mayor Gary Norman was in attendance on Christmas Day, supported by councillor Phil Barnett (Lib Dem, Greenham), to cut the ribbon for the launch of the service.
Mr Norman assisted in putting items in the cars of the delivery drivers, while Mr Barnett and his wife Vera were among the volunteers who prepared the vegetables on Christmas Eve and also helped in meal delivery on Christmas Day.
Among the items delivered was a cooked Christmas dinner, complete with roast turkey, roast potatoes and Christmas pudding.
There was also a goodie bag containing different fruits, cake, mince pies, a bar of soap, flannel and a Covid testing kit.
Mrs Abraham said they had had great feedback from the event, with elderly people grateful to be remembered at Christmas.