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PARISH CENTRE OUTREACH LUNCHES |
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For a variety of reasons Mary Macdonald and I decided to hang up our aprons in August. At the instigation of Father Michael Channell we started the lunches in June 2000. The idea was that they would provide a meeting point for parishioners, and their friends, and also support lesser known good causes which didn't necessarily have widespread local support. By general agreement these aims have been achieved - the lunches have been very well attended, and over £25,000 raised for a variety of charities.
Mary and I have been very well supported by a wonderful team of helpers, without whom we could not have managed and we would like to record our thanks again to everyone.
Our last lunch in August was very well attended and both Mary and I were overwhelmed by the presentations made to us , for which we thank everyone.
We are pleased that Jenny Whiddett is to carry on the lunches and we wish her well.
Very many thanks to all our friends.
Mary Macdonald and Alison Gunary
Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to introduce my family and me. I am married to Robert, the owner of Whiddett’s bakery. We have three children and two cake shops. Both Robert and I are busy people so you can understand that it took me a month to say yes to taking over the lunches, which had been run since the year 2000 by Mary and Alison. We had a few long chats about my taking over and I can say I was so scared, since I had never cooked for so many people before. Would I cope? Well, my first lunch was in September 2007. Sixty-nine people came and lots of things went through my mind. Was this a good turn out? We took £300, so, yes, I was pleased. In October my husband attended a prayer and Bible week so I was unable to cook that week since I was kept busy with the shops and the family. Anyway, I decided that I would not let people down so I arranged the November lunch. This time, ninety-two people came. I was so happy with the outcome that I thought I would offer to do a Christmas lunch. The only worry was how many turkeys to cook! To help us we sold tickets. This worked well and we managed two sittings, raising £1000. Thank you for all the wonderful support and letters of encouragement.
May I thank all the ladies that have offered to help me and made me feel welcome. This would not be possible without your help. Thank you to Peter, Katie and Howard who always steer me in the right direction. I ask God for all his direction and that we have many more lunches together.
Jennifer Whiddett |
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