VETERANS came together to enjoy a Christmas dinner at RAF St Mawgan to celebrate the festive season.

Eighty two tri-Service veterans and RAF widows tucked into a three-course Christmas lunch at the T E Lawrence Combined Mess as part of the airbase’s fourth annual Op CHRISTMAS celebration.

Wing Commander Helen Simpson, Station Commander, hosted the lunch alongside 28 RAF St Mawgan personnel and civil servants, who served and shared the meal with guests.

Chefs from industry partner ESS prepared the feast and Mess staff ensured a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The icing on the Christmas cake was the RAF St Mawgan Military Wives Choir, who sang many Christmas favourites, getting the guests involved and spreading some festive cheer. Guests were able to chat with the current station personnel and enjoyed swapping stories of service life over the decades.

The event is made possible through the generous support of the RAF Benevolent Fund, RAF Association St Mawgan branch, SSAFA In-Service Committee, local Cornwall Councillor ‘Community Chests’, and the T E Lawrence Mess Committee.

A spokesperson for RAF St Mawgan said: “The airbase has hosted what is likely to be the largest gathering of veterans for a Christmas lunch, anywhere across the South-West, for the festive season.

“For many guests, attending the lunch is a significant step, meeting new faces and reconnecting with the Service family.

“RAF St Mawgan personnel are dedicated to ensuring every veteran feels at ease, valued and supported.

“Christmas can be a challenging season for those who feel disconnected from both military and civilian communities.

“By bringing together veterans and widows, RAF St Mawgan provides a safe, supportive environment to share stories, rekindle bonds and build lasting social ties.”

Irene Greenwood, the welfare programmes manager at the RAF Benevolent Fund, added: “Christmas can be a challenging period for some members of the RAF Family, especially those facing loneliness or social isolation.

“That’s why we’re so pleased to have supported RAF St Mawgan’s Christmas lunch for veterans. Even a small gesture like this can reassure them that they’re remembered and remain an important part of the wider RAF Family.”

Wing Commander Helen Simpson said: “Op CHRISTMAS is about more than a meal, it is about honouring service, fostering connection and reminding our veterans and widows that they are never alone. RAF St Mawgan is proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our wider Service family.”

A spokesperson for RAF St Mawgan added: “The outstanding organisation and co-ordination of this prestigious event was all down to Tara Stiles, the station engagements co-ordinator, who worked tirelessly to ensure that everything was in place and ran smoothly, before and on the day.

“Since its inception, Op CHRISTMAS has grown from delivering hampers in its first year to hosting full Station lunches in subsequent years. This year’s event represents the largest outreach yet, reaffirming RAF St Mawgan’s commitment to supporting veterans and widows at what can be a difficult and isolating time of year.”