£1,600 boost for Melksham Free Dining

LOCAL supermarket, Asda, has awarded local charity, Melksham Free Dining, a grant of £1,600.

Organisers say, “With great and renowned community spirit, Asda recognised the benefits that residents reap from Melksham Free Dining. Emma Scott, Asda’s community champion, attended Melksham Free Dining on Wednesday 9th November to present the cheque to Louisa Lewis, founder of the charity, and Deedee Macleod, co-founder.

“Emma, who is much appreciated for all the help and time she affords local communities, had previously visited Melksham Free Dining and had offered her help. True to her word, and with Asda’s support, she organised an application for a grant and also donated over 100 sausages and drinks.”

Louisa said, “Some of the grant will be used to fund the diners’ Christmas lunch. Furthermore, a monthly raffle will be held for the foreseeable future at the lunches, with five prizes of a £5 Asda gift card. With the growing cost of food, we hope this will go some way to helping our diners put food in their cupboards.”

Louisa thanked both Asda and Emma not only for the grant, but also, she said, in both understanding and supporting the needs of the community.

Louisa said, “We continue to offer every Wednesday at the Bowerhill Village Hall a free lunch with social activities and a time to make new friends. This makes a huge difference to people’s lives.

“Reminding our adult residents that if you want to book a lunch, please call on 01225 374232.”

Trustee Deedee Macleod said, “If you are feeling nervous about picking up the phone to book your lunchtime place, then please read this wonderful poem.”

The Wednesday Dining Club – A poem written by Barry (one of the diners:)

At Bowerhill on Wednesday afternoon

We meet after twelve, don’t come too soon

There’s a really good bunch

Led by Lou the Lunch

They’re always there if you need a friend

There’s always a shoulder on which you can lean

There’s always a meal and you don’t spend a bean

Deedee The Diner, nearly always around

That’s right what I said, you don’t spend a pound

So come on a Wednesday, it’s really good fun

With Bingo and singing and a quiz or two

You’re always welcome. We’ll look out for you.