Army chefs have served up platefuls of Christmas cheer to homeless people in Colchester.
Lance Corporal Nigel James a Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) Chef attached to the 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, carefully removes a dish from the oven in preparation for a Christmas dinner for the homeless at a homeless shelter in Colchester on the 4th of December 2024.
Corporal Ben Waller a Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) Chef attached to the 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, flips Brussel sprouts. You either hate them or you love them.
Private Hangku Dewan a Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) Chef attached to the 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, prepares the mashed potatoes.
Private’s Arron Dann (Closest) and Hangku Dewan Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) Chef’s attached to the 3rd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, share a festive smile.
Chefs from the city’s 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment Barracks served up a three-course festive feast for residents and staff at Colchester Engagement & Next Steps (CENS). The chefs had raised more than £600 from a coffee morning and sponsored walk in the Lake District to buy the food and presents for residents, such as jumpers and toiletries.
Christmas is about giving, and this is us giving our time and skills to help people in need.
Corporal Ben Waller said: “Christmas is about giving, and this is us giving our time and skills to help people in need. I know people who have had issues with homelessness, so I can understand some of the challenges the residents are facing. It feels good to be able to do our bit, and show the residents that people care about them.”
Chefs from Merville Barracks have volunteered at CENS since 2014 and manager Marina Woodrow described the annual Christmas meal as “the highlight of our calendar”.
“Christmas can be difficult for homeless people, particularly those who are apart from their families, and this event brings everyone together and gives a real sense of community,” she said. “It shows our residents that the wider community cares about them, and that feeling is something that stays with them. People that we’ve helped often come back to visit, and the Army Christmas meal is always something they remember.
“We’ve had a whole decade of support from the barracks - with all that’s happened in the world in that time, and all of the other worthwhile causes out there - and that means a lot.”
Private Arron Dann said: “I cooked last Christmas and was really keen to come again. It’s a nice way to do something good in the community, and talking to the residents gives me a different perspective on life. Having a hot meal every day and being with my family for special occasions is something that I take for granted, but not everyone has that. It’s very rewarding to help people going through a rough patch in their lives.”
After the meal ended with a round of applause for the chefs, resident Charlie said the night had been “lovely, 10/10!”
“The food was great and there was a wonderful atmosphere around the table – it gave me a good old-fashioned Christmas feeling,” he said. “It’s nice that the soldiers come here and do this, and they are very friendly and interested in us.
“CENS has helped me through my issues and I’m moving into a flat soon – it’s onwards and upwards for me. I am looking at joining the Royal Navy, and seeing the guys in uniform coming here to help us is a real inspiration.”