Free Dining Singers strike the right note

Michelle Donelan MP was treated to the first performance by Melksham Free Dining Singers when she visited their Easter celebrations earlier this month at Bowerhill Village Hall.  

The singing group had been set up a few weeks previously by Deedee Macleod, co-founder of the charity at the request of some of the diners.

“Singing has become part of our regular after-lunch activities,” said fellow co-founder Louisa Lewis.  “It has long been recognised that singing is good for the soul and the mind and there is no doubt our diners really enjoy this new activity.

“It creates a great sense of well-being, improves health and happiness and we hope more diners will join the singing group.

“We have 12 in the group at the moment including our soloists, Crystal and Steve. The songs are varied from ‘When the Saints Come Marching In” to the Beatles and country music and the group choose their songs for themselves.

“The diners were treated to fish and chips followed by a delicious array of cream cakes cooked by Lyn, one of our cake makers.  Ken, one of our table hosts, helped Michelle with the raffle and a fun time was had ‘Naming the Bunny’.  Michelle presented the winning prize to Sylvia.

“At the end of the lunch, Pammie Jackson thanked Michelle for coming and presented her with a white baby layette that she had knitted.”

Louisa and Deedee went on to thank the various people who had helped make the Easter celebrations a success.

“Oceans Fish and Chip shop kindly helped with an abundance of chips,” said Deedee “In these austere times we realise that it is difficult for retail to help as much as they did in the past so we are very grateful to our local businesses.  Asda were very generous with their donation of chocolate eggs, a real treat for all the diners  and Asda’s Community Champion, Emma Scott stayed for the duration, bringing her joyful smile and obvious dedication to the community with her.

“Emma is a staunch supporter of Melksham Free Dining, recognising the need for this Free Lunch Service.

“We have noticed a huge reduction in ‘giving’ from supermarkets and the general public.  Times are hard for everyone and without local support we would not be able to offer free meals to the vulnerable on a weekly basis.

“Special thanks go to all our supporters who keep us afloat: The Cobblers Bench, Millie Jane Boutique, BGL Reiber, Melksham Motor Spares, Gompels, Tops hairdressers, Refa Tandoori, Auto Engineering, Asset Finance and The Pilot Pub who recently raised £70 for us in an Easter raffle.

“Pammie Jackson and Sue Bailey, two of our volunteers, knitted large rabbits specifically for raffles.  Pammie’s was raffled at the Pilot and Sue’s was raffled at the charity’s recent table top sale.

“Our volunteers never cease to amaze us. They are top of the tree – bound together by a common cause of giving unselfishly to others. Each and everyone plays their part, in fact more than one part, with drivers making amazing cakes, volunteers giving loving care and our wonderful servers who ensure all runs smoothly on the day.

“They are such a happy band, always putting in that extra mile. So a huge thank you to them. Geoff (treasurer), Dawn, Malcolm, Paul, Sue A, Sue B, Jilly, Val, Chrissy, Lesley, Vicky, Alexia, David, Dionne, Pammie, Lyn and her daughter Dawn.  Thank you for all you do.  Melksham Free Dining is there helping the community because you are there.

“Melksham Free Dining is open to all on a Wednesday at Bowerhill Village Hall 1pm – 3 pm so please call us if you would like to join us for lunch and call us if you are curious to see how a small group of dedicated volunteers make such a huge difference to other people’s lives.  You may want to volunteer too!”

For more details call Louisa Lewis on 01225 374232 or Deedee Macleod on 07967123858.