NEWCASTLE KITCHEN DIARY

25th September 2011

Trustees:         Carl, Sheila

Volunteers:      Phil, Rebecca

Visitors:           Jim, Wendy, Djdusey, Sonny

Attendance:     58

 

It was quite a quiet kitchen this week which was good as the number of helpers were reduced. Again there were some new faces with many of our regulars missing.

 

Carl received a call from Tom and Kiera at tea time on the Sunday to ask if there was any possibility of a lift to the kitchen as they had no bus fare money. Rebecca kindly offered to pick them up from Cowgate and Phil dropped them off after the kitchen. Things are not going well with them. It looks like their baby, Darren will be put up for adoption as social services think he may be in danger because of the upbringing both Tom and Kiera had. It is heartbreaking as you can tell they absolutely adore him and have kept every appointment they have had to visit him. Tom was the proud father showing everyone a video on his phone of Darren trying to stand. Kiera has also started an apprentice course in animal welfare but due to a mix up in their benefits these have been stopped for the last 2 weeks. They have 3 appointments this week to sort them out but no bus fare to get there. I gave them £10 towards this so she will not lose her place. They were very appreciative.

 

Diane was at the kitchen this week, she is very confused and nervous and lies to stand at the tables to talk to Wendy. We are not very sure of her background or living arrangements as they seem to change on a regular basis.

 

We are concerned for Sarah and Lorraine. No one has heard anything about Sarah, which after the suggestion last week that she had committed suicide may be a good thing as if she had they would certainly know. Lorraine is not coping well with the death of Bruce and is on a last warning at the hostel. She was not at the kitchen this week either.

 

Carl and Tonya did not get the flat they went after. Although they had paid the bond money the landlord changed his mind. They have to wait for 4 weeks to get their money back. Chris who has been a regular for a long time shares the same space on the street with Carl. Chris has not been in any trouble with the police for over 12 months but still sees no prospect of getting of the streets. He is expecting another long, hard winter.

 

Peter and Shaun two of our regulars arrived quite late both sporting black eyes. If the cold doesn’t kill them then somebody will as they are continually being attacked. It is dangerous on the streets and until you have witnessed the constant black eyes, broken arms and bruised bodies you don’t appreciate it. People with nothing will take whatever they can find even from someone in the same position as themselves.

 

It took a bit longer to close the kitchen up as we had to sort out who was taking what for the 2 Sundays Carl and I will be away. Jim could not get a driver for his van so will not be able to use the Help Link van. He has taken all of the pans, boilers, trays etc and Wendy has taken the tables, bin, tea, coffee etc. Janet is going to cook the main meals for both weeks, Rebecca will do the dessert for the first and Jan for the second. We are so grateful for all of their help and support.

 

As always your continued prayers for this work are greatly appreciated.  Sheila Heron