Bishop helps out at lunch club for Lent (From Chelmsford Weekly News)

Bishop helps out at lunch club for Lent

7:00am Thursday 14th March 2013 in News

A BISHOP and a county councillor gave up some time to help out at a weekly lunch club as part of their Lent commitment.

Bishop of Bradwell John Wraw and John Aldridge, Essex county councillor responsible for adult social care, went to the Lunch Club at the Church of the Holy Spirit in Forest Drive, Widford.

Every Wednesday, volunteers serve up a two-course meal to elderly residents, including a hot main dish, for a cost of £2.50 per head.

They helped hand out a roast pork or cauliflower cheese dinner followed by cheesecake for dessert.

The pair were helping out at the club as they volunteer during Lent in an effort to encourage others to give up their own time to help their community.

Mr Aldridge said: “The message I tell people is Christmas is not just once a year, the spirit of the season can be year-long.

“I just want people to look over their fence to check their neighbour is OK or give up some spare time for others.”

Bishop John added: “I think it is fantastic here today. Where else could you get a home cooked meal for just £2.50?

“It is really good and we can see the difference it makes in people’s lives.”

Pam Myall, one of the regular volunteers at the club, said it was great to see the councillor and bishop providing a helping hand and hope more helpers will come forward.

She said: “In the past we have struggled for numbers to help us, especially with cooks because it can be quite difficult to cook for large numbers.

“But this is something we really enjoy because we cook for a lovely group of people and we love talking to them.”