RAF St Mawgan once again opened its doors to the wider Service community this festive season, proudly hosting its fourth annual Op CHRISTMAS celebration. This year marked the largest gathering yet, with 82 tri-Service veterans and RAF widows invited to enjoy a three-course Christmas lunch at the T E Lawrence Combined Mess.
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. 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.
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. The St Mawgan Military Wives Choir provided festive musical entertainment, while chefs from industry partner ESS prepared the feast and Mess staff ensured a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
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.
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.
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.
Irene Greenwood, Welfare Programmes Manager at the RAF Benevolent Fund
Wing Commander Helen Simpson commented, 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.
