The centre was busy from early morning, with volunteers arriving before dawn to prepare meals, pack delivery boxes and set up the hall.
The annual Christmas Day meal has been running for four years and is led by Sylvester Okoli, supported by volunteer chef James Mulgrew.
“We’ve been doing it for about four years now,” Sylvester Okoli said: “The idea was there, but I needed help, and James messaged me. Since then, we’ve just been doing it every year. It’s about the people and trying to make people happy.”
On Christmas morning, around 15 to 16 breakfasts were delivered to housebound residents, while between 20 and 30 people attended the breakfast at the centre.
By lunchtime, more than 100 people were being served a three-course Christmas meal, with deliveries also continuing across the town.
The event was funded through a combination of personal contributions, donations and local support, with the venue provided by Stratton St Margaret Parish Council.
Local businesses also supported the day. Route 8 Barbers assisted the initiative, while butcher Ryan Rico Richards of Lambourn Foodhall donated meat to help feed more than 150 people.
Sylvester Okoli said the event had personal meaning for him.
“Since I lost my parents 20 years ago, I’ve never liked Christmas,” he said: “I used to spend Christmas Day sleeping. Then I thought, Christmas is one of the loneliest days of the year. Let me spend it doing some good instead of doing nothing.”
Inside the hall, volunteers spent time talking with guests while music played, creating what organisers described as a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
Volunteer Karen Doyle said she had learned about the event through Route 8 Barbers and decided to help on Christmas morning.
“I like giving back,” she said: “I danced with a 92-year-old lady this morning. How wonderful is that on Christmas morning?”
That guest, Joyce Thomas, 92, said she had enjoyed the breakfast and planned to return for lunch. When asked what her secret is for life, she said:
“Keep active! I’ve never smoked, I don’t drink much, just a sherry at Christmas.”
In the kitchen, James Mulgrew coordinated around 20 volunteers to keep food service running smoothly throughout the day.
“That little bit of effort brings a bit of joy and hope to people,” he said. “That’s why we do it.”
He said the event had grown significantly since it began.
“When we first started, we were doing about 40,” he said: “Now we’re at around 120 to 130. The volunteer effort’s been fantastic. Everyone started about half past five this morning.”
Volunteer Jayni Shah, who helped with planning and coordination, said the response from the community had been overwhelming.
“What Christmas is about for me is helping other people,” she said: “It’s been a really lovely team this morning. So many people offered their time that we almost had more volunteers than we needed.”
As preparations continued into the afternoon, organisers said the aim remained simple, to ensure no one in the community felt alone on Christmas Day.
