‘Let’s not lose this valuable service’

A service that provides a valuable lifeline for many elderly residents in the Guilsfield area is facing a challenging future unless a volunteer cook can be recruited.

Guilsfield Lunch Club had been meeting twice a month at the Old School prior to the pandemic, providing a healthy meal and company to residents.

The service has become mobile over the past seven months with volunteers delivering meals to members’ homes, but with one of the cooks unable to continue, the service is set to go down to just once a month, casting doubt on its future.

“We are desperately looking for a cook now,” said Carol Williams, who has been the initiative’s lead organiser from the start.

“It’s just a shame to see it going down to once a month as I fear it may cease altogether. It would then be difficult to restart again if and when we can get back to some kind of normality.

“We are approaching the winter months so this service is invaluable to so many people in the village area.

“It ensures we are keeping in contact with our elderly customers whilst serving them hot meals. Please, please get in touch with me if you feel you can help.”

The voluntary role involves one day a month to cook for, currently, around 18 people from the Old School. Volunteers then pick up the meals and deliver.

If you can help, contact Carol via du06nwc@sky.com.