Church cooks 50 roast dinners for those in need

Parishioners are cooking and delivering 50 roast dinners to vulnerable people in Newton and surrounding areas on Sundays.

The project, which began last Sunday (May 10), is being run by members of All Saint’s Church in associated with Newtown Network which is coordinating volunteering efforts in the town. At least 50 people referred by agencies such as the town’s foodbank, district nurses or the mental health team are receiving a hot roast meal and a pudding.

Money for the meals is being provided by the church, along with grants from the Diocese of St Asaph, the Salvation Army, PAVO (Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations) and Newtown Network.

The Rector of Newtown, Revd Canon Nia Wyn-Morris, who sits on the Newtown Network, and devised the project said, “As a church we want to play our part in assisting those most vulnerable in our community who are self-isolating and can’t leave home for shopping or are reliant on the town’s foodbank.

“A team of volunteers, adhering to all social distancing requirements and with appropriate food hygiene certification, prepared cooked and delivered the Sunday lunches for the first time last weekend. We are looking to provide well-cooked, tasty, fresh food for people every Sunday. Alongside the meal is little note with a prayer from all of us at All Saints Church.

“We wanted to work as part of the town’s efforts in tackling Covid-19 and ensure we were meeting the needs of the most vulnerable. Some of our congregation are already Town Angels coordinating help and support within specific neighbourhoods.”

All Saints Church is cooking the meals in the kitchens of the town’s Methodist Church. It already runs a weekday café providing meals. Earlier this year All Saints launched a £700,000 appeal to refurbish the church to create a fit for purpose kitchen, a new community function room, improved access for people with disabilities, new toilets and office space.

Nia added: “The facilities at All Saints don’t yet allow us to prepare and cook these meals at our own premises but we didn’t want to be held back by the limitations of our church building. Working in collaboration with others across the town we can ensure those in most need can receive a healthy, freshly cooked Sunday roast, a meal which so many of us take for granted.”

All Saints Church is in the Cedewain Mission Area, which includes villages and communities around Newtown. It is part of the Diocese of St Asaph