Some 60 senior citizens enjoyed a delicious free Christmas lunch, carols and a visit from Father Christmas.

The popular annual event for residents of Witney's Smiths Estate returned after two years having been postponed due to the pandemic.

There was a delicious three-course hot festive lunch with coffee and mince pies afterwards, Christmas carols, a free raffle, a visit by the Mayor of Witney Liz Duncan and Santa himself who handed out goodie bags full of treats.

Jill Dean, 85, from Lancut Road said: "It was throughly delightful, thank you to everyone that made it happen".

Meanwhile 102 year-old Ted Allum, who is possibly the estate's oldest resident, said  it was "wonderful, full of joy".

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"I chatted with neighbours I hadn't seen for years," he said.

The event was held at Ceewood Hall and was a community partnership involving West Oxfordshire District Council, the Oasis Family Church and funded through Oxfordshire County Council's Councillor Priority Fund.

Kerry Harris, Community Builder at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: "We were delighted to help provide a warm space and a lovely lunch, it was absolutely fantastic to see everyone enjoying themselves."

And Graeme Dale, pastor of the Oasis Family Church said they were pleased to help facilitate "this wonderful community event".

Councillor Andrew Coles added: "Many complain that the true meaning of Christmas is lost in the commercial frenzy but here is a wonderful example of the community coming together to celebrate what's truly important at Christmas."

 

 

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