A centre that helps Reading’s needy and disadvantaged people threw open its doors on Christmas Day to serve a special festive lunch.
CIRDIC – the Churches In Reading Drop-in Centre and based in Berkeley Avenue – cooked up a turkey lunch, with all the trimmings, plus Christmas puddings and cakes and pastries for afters for more than 60 people on Christmas Day.
Outside of festive times, the centre offers people a safe place to go for bath, showers, clean clothes and a listening ear for people who need support and practical help. It is offered without question or payment.
The meal was cooked and served by volunteers including Rob McGregor, who was volunteering on behalf of Freemasonary In The Community.
He said that he was giving up his Christmas Day because he felt compelled to.
“It’s a desire to help,” he said, “both as a Christian and to help people in need.”
The Revd Vernon Orr said a prayer before the meal was served.
For more information on Cirdic and its services, click here.
