NEWCASTLE KITCHEN DIARY

13th November 2011

 Trustees:        Carl, Sheila

Volunteers:      Rebecca, Phil,

Visitors:           Jim, Wendy, Richard, David, Djdusey (3 visitors from Fife), Ruth

Attendance:     40+

 

It was a very quiet kitchen this week. A lot of the regulars were missing and we are not sure as to why the numbers have been lower over the past few weeks.

 

Carl and Michael (my son) took the settee to Ali and Michael on Friday and they were delighted with it. Ali made a thank you card for everyone who helps at the kitchen a copy of which is attached to this report. (Click here to view the card)  When we were talking with the visitors  Ali she was telling them how awful she used to be. She was always in fights and in and out of prison. She spent a lot of time drinking and being totally out of control. Over the past 2 years the change has been quite remarkable and it was good to hear her acknowledge that she knew people were praying for her.

 

We had a few new faces to the kitchen and it was obvious that they were new to the streets too. One gentleman was in his 50’s and we were able to give him some blankets.

 

One young man John was at the kitchen for the first time. He has his own flat and has spent the last 5 months just cleaning it! He is into photography and is setting up a room as a dark room.

 

Eric was late to the kitchen this week as he had come from Sunderland. His mam had just been discharged from hospital and he was making sure she was settled back at the home she shares with his brother.

 

I asked about those at the kitchen about the provision for Christmas day and the consensus of opinion was that there would be more than enough provision on Christmas day. The CRISIS centre will be open from 8am to 8pm, the People’s Kitchen will be open at lunch time, and the Nuns will also be serving food. It was decided that we will not go up on Christmas day but will go up on Boxing day as there is no food provision on this day. We will go at the usual time from 8 – 9pm.

 

The clothing is still going down well and Wendy picked up some more goods from the police which will be sorted out and distributed.

 

It was good to have Ruth and some helpers from her church. Our clients appreciate the tins they bring for them to take away.

 

 

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

 

Sheila Heron