NEWCASTLE KITCHEN DIARY

11th September 2011

Trustees:         Carl, Sheila,

Volunteers:      Phil, Norma

Visitors:           Jim, Sonny, Kevin, Ruth, Djdusey, Wendy

 

Attendance:     42

 

It was a much quieter kitchen this week which made a nice change. It was also good that the numbers were down as our volunteers were in short supply. Rebecca is on holiday, Norma was ill and Richard was visiting his father, who is very poorly, in hospital. It was good to have Wendy back from her holiday.

 

Following the letter Jean emailed on Saturday and which Carl tried to speak to her about just after the email was received we asked the volunteers and regular helpers if they were aware of any of the claims occurring. All confirmed that none of these incidents had happened at the Sunday kitchen. Carl is going to ring the person who wrote the letter.

 

The last visit we had from the police was a few months ago when we had the fight break out and we called them, which I informed the Trustees of in my weekly report. The police have driven passed on one occasion since then when they were looking for someone but didn’t find them at the kitchen. Wendy was actually in the Newcastle police station last week collecting clothing from them and they have agreed to put us on their list of supported charities, so they obviously do not have any issues and are not aware of any complaints. This will be followed up by Carl and the council in any case.

 

As the nights are getting darker we had to use the lights that Carl managed to link to the battery (not being a mechanic I am not sure if this is where it actually links). However, we had problems and they kept going off. When we came to drive off we found the reason why, the battery was flat. Two of the taxi drivers, who park at the other end of the car park came to give us a push start. After the van was going we thanked them and also asked them if they had any problems with anyone who attends the kitchen or were aware of anyone who had. They both confirmed that they had never had any problems because if they had they wouldn’t park up their taxis there.

 

Lorraine was in a really bad way. She had been drinking heavily because Bruce, her boyfriend, died during the week. He was only in his twenties but had a big alcohol problem.

 

Jim also informed us that the man who was killed in Gateshead last week was killed outside his Church and he has been asked to take the funeral. His friend, who was with him when he was killed, used to come to the kitchens and with the shock then tried to commit suicide on Friday night.

 

This is the time of year when the weather starts changing and it becomes dark earlier that we hear of many more deaths and suicides.

 

Lisa and the children are moving into their new home this week. The children have all settled into their schools and Lisa seems quite positive for the future. Carl has given Lisa his mobile to contact him is she needs any help with the move or if she needs anything.

 

Doug had attended his mam’s funeral and everything went well. As he didn’t really know her he seems to be managing alright with his bereavement.

 

Sean was back this week and looked like he had been beaten up again. Chris also came along for the first time but is expecting to be locked up on Tuesday.

 

We have not seen Greg or the other Polish guys for a few weeks.

 

At the end of the kitchen we said our goodbyes to Kevin who flies home to Trinidad today. Although he has not worked as part of the Help Link, he and Ruth have brought food parcels to the kitchen for a couple of years now. He will be missed but I am sure we will keep in touch.

 

As always your prayers for the work in general are greatly appreciated.

 

Sheila Heron