Bloxham Christmas Community Lunch 2025

42 guests were treated to a fabulous Christmas feast in Bloxham Baptist Chapel on Christmas Day this year, organised once again by ‘The Christmas Chums,’ with support from 50 villagers, with a guest appearance by Santa, Frank the Elf, and rounded off by a virtual visit from King Charles with his Christmas message.

Bee Myson, one of The Christmas Chums team which organised the event, said:

‘This was the 10^th year since we put on the first Community Christmas lunch in 2016. Our guests are always so appreciative, and we received lovely messages to say how much they enjoyed their day. Just seeing everyone tucking into their meals and happily chatting and laughing and joining in with the carols shows how much it means to our guests. This year we were treated to music provided by Sam and Thomas on keyboard helping to create a warm welcome and providing an accompaniment for the carols.

‘We were incredibly fortunate to have the support of over fifty volunteers, who helped with setting up, baking, transport, shopping, decorating, cooking, photography, driving, serving, washing up, providing entertainment, and much more. They ensured everyone had the best experience possible, and many gave up their time on Christmas Day to support this event. It is especially heartening to find how many young adults were willing to join in and help, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the occasion.

‘Thanks to generous contributions from various donors, we were once again able to offer this meal free of charge. Generous financial support was received from The Bloxham Feoffees, and Bloxham Parish Council, as well as from individuals. Local businesses Henry’s of Hook Norton Butchers, Hook Norton Brewery, and Wacky Wardrobe were also supportive. We are grateful to all these, and to Godswell Surgery for the use of their carpark and to Bloxham Baptist Church for allowing us to use their welcoming Chapel.

‘All this support is invaluable, but we are particularly grateful to our Chef, David Lively, who spent his Christmas holiday to prepare and cook for us, for a third year running, and without whom we could not have provided such a feast. We offer a huge thank-you to David’s employer Fresh Direct, who generously provided the vegetables and many other  elements of the meal.

‘The Chums would like to thank everyone involved and wish guests, helpers and sponsors a happy 2026.’

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The Christmas Chums are a group of friends who have been organising a free community lunch in Bloxham on Christmas Day since 2016.

We know that while many people plan their Christmas days for weeks and months ahead, there are those who do not have plans or who cannot eat with family or friends for one reason or another, and Christmas can be challenging. We wanted to have something fun for anyone to look forward to, young or old, living alone or not, whatever their circumstances -the only criterion is that they would like to eat in company on Christmas Day. So we are happy to help that to happen.

Photos for montage kindly provided by Sarah Reay and John Groves.

Bee Myson for The Christmas Chums