THOUSANDS of older people across Oxfordshire are facing the festive season by themselves – and contrary to popular belief, loneliness doesn’t discriminate by location.

Even the most tight-knit rural communities can be home to people who may need a friendly face at this time of year.

About 60 older people from around Tetsworth, many of whom live by themselves, were invited to a free annual Christmas lunch with a difference this month.

The tiny village has no fish and chip shop and has not had a van pass through for 20 years, but the tradition was revived this year on December 11 and residents tucked into a nostalgic feast in good company, organised by local man Paul Silver.

Wheatley Asda workers Roger and Angie Young helped secure funds and keep wine glasses topped up on the day.

Mrs Young said: “We did this last year on a Friday to commemorate the First World War and it went down so well we decided to do it again.

“The fish and chip van was run into the hall and every senior citizen in Tetsworth was invited – it didn’t cost them a penny. Something like this means that they can all come together, see their old friends again and make new ones. And they’re not alone.”

The Rev Peter Waterson, who runs six churches in nearby villages, also attended and listened to carol performances by Tetsworth Primary School.

He said: “We have a lot of people in who are on their own, who we make sure get visits. It’s something we encourage throughout the year, not just at Christmas.

“But the trouble is that the ones who really need help are difficult to find out about, even in small villages. Some people ‘bring their isolation with them’ and are afraid to ask for too much, so if we wait for them it doesn’t happen.”

This year as part of our Lonely this Christmas campaign the Oxford Mail asked individuals to host their own Christmas lunches for those in need of company.

In Oxford, kind-hearted individuals in Blackbird Leys and Barton are rolling up their sleeves and preparing to feed hundreds of locals on Christmas Day.

In Wantage, charity champion Ray Collins and a gang of volunteers have collected thousands of food donations from Waitrose for their lunch on December 25.

Five turkey crowns, 7.5 kilos of potatoes and 8kg of sprouts, parsnips and potatoes will be prepared from 7am on Christmas morning while tables are laid with crackers.

Mr Collins said: “It’s a bit of a military operation from now. We pick up all the food on Christmas Eve and will be there cooking for 60 from 7am.

“It will finish at about 3pm. By the time we have given everyone a Christmas hamper, which gets a bit emotional, and taken people home it will be about 5.30pm.

“There will be 20 of us at the Wantage Day Centre on Christmas Eve, and more than 20 helping on the day.

“It’s amazing how many people give up part of their day to help out and it is really appreciated.”

HOW TO HELP
* Donate to the Lonely this Christmas appeal to support Age UK Oxfordshire and its Phone Friends service. Text AUKO52 £3 to 70070 to give £3 or visit campaign.justgiving.com/charity/ageukoxfordshire/endloneliness to pledge an amount of your choice.

* Volunteer with Age UK Oxfordshire. Ten new recruits are being sought over the Christmas period. There is no set minimum age and Phone Friends can volunteer from just two hours per week. 
To find out more, email volunteering@ageukoxfordshire.org.uk. 

* If you’re organising a Christmas lunch for neighbours and older people who may not have anyone to share the day with, register it at communitychristmas.org.uk.