Christmas can be a very lonely time of year.

For those of us who enjoy being with our nearest and dearest over the festive season, it is easy to forget those who have to get through the holiday period alone.

However, many people who could be spending Christmas in solitude enjoy seasonal hospitality in the company of friends thanks to those prepared to give up their own special day.

One such person is Patrick Burgess, treasurer of Cauis House in Battersea, who for the past 35 years has given hundreds of guests a Christmas Day to remember.

Cauis House, a youth and community centre in Harroway Road, opened in 1882 as a joint venture between St Mary's Church in Battersea and Cauis College in Cambridge.

Over the years, Mr Burgess has made Christmas a joyous event for hundreds of people who would otherwise be alone a commitment he began during his student days at Cauis College.

Each year around 80 people, mainly elderly, enjoy the hospitality of Mr Burgess, his wife and the team of 15 volunteers who pick up the guests, prepare and serve a full Christmas lunch and return them home with a present.

Festive entertainment includes a conjurer, bingo, dancing and music from Battersea MP Martin Linton's choir and trumpet. The Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Ron Smith, and the vicar of St Mary's, the Rev Paul Kennington, provide seasonal greetings.

Mr Burgess said: "It means an awful lot to the guests. They make new friends and it is home from home for many who have been coming for years."

Despite having to give up his own Christmas, the kind-hearted volunteer would not change a thing.

He added: "We would feel awful if we didn't do it they all have so much fun.

"I really feel I am contributing something to the community and there is always Boxing Day to enjoy a family Christmas."

December 27, 2001 09:00