For some, it was their first time at the St Stephen’s Church Christmas lunch. For others, it has become a tradition.

The smell of a hot roast meal made the church feel like home for so many strangers many of who, by afternoon, had become friends.

Shirley Hayes, there for a fourth year with her guide dog, Hillary, said she had made new friends as well as running into ones she had met in other years.

“We don’t have any other place to go — that’s why we came here,” she said.

“I like that people give up their time for people who have no one.

“We didn’t even do gifts this year — that’s how hard it’s been.”

While loneliness led many to the church yesterday, the room was buzzing with conversation and laughter.

All 210 guests sang Christmas carols, the voices echoing around the halls as a united voice.

For Beryl Castle, her fourth year at the Christmas luncheon reminded her of the loss she suffered this year.

“My husband passed away of bowel cancer six months ago,” she said.

“It’s tough, especially today because Christmas makes me think of him.

“We used to come to the lunch together. I love coming down here — I love the atmosphere, the people and the food.”

First-timer Val Perryman said that without the lunch, she didn’t have anything she could do.

“I usually have all my kids and grandkids and I put on a big feast, but they couldn’t come this year,” she said.

“I miss it, but I hope they can make it next year.”

Volunteer Cindy Marsh was lost for words.

She said she just wanted to give people the opportunity to share the day with someone.

“I don’t have the words to describe how it feels to see all these people,” she said.

“Our biggest role is to make sure people don’t feel lonely in a crowd.

“The fact that people will go home and, yes, they have been fed, but they also have connected with somebody — anybody would think that is a worthwhile day.”