A monthly lunch club launched by St Nicholas Church in Bradwell has served its 1,000th free hot meal, having continued its mission to combat loneliness in the aftermath of Covid lockdowns.
The event, held on the fourth Wednesday of each month since 2021, offers attendees a free home-cooked meal and has become a firm fixture in the parish’s ‘Warm Wednesday’ programme – alongside craft activities and embroidery on the second and third Wednesdays of the month respectively.
Discussing the initiative’s remarkable impact, Revd Steve Deall, vicar at St Nicholas Church, said:
“Emerging from the dark days of Covid, we wanted to create a warm, welcoming space where people could gather, be well fed, and enjoy each other’s company.
“We are incredibly encouraged by the positive impact these initiatives have had, bringing people together and creating a supportive community environment. Thank you to all those who make it possible and those coming along for being part of this wonderful journey.”
The lunch has received grant support from Bradwell Parish Council and Norfolk Community Foundation. As the club served up its milestone 1,000th two-course meal, council members Sue Watson and Harry Hamilton were in attendance to see the lunch’s impact in action.
The Venerable Steven Betts, Archdeacon of Norfolk, attended the lunch at which the milestone meal was served. He noted:
“The monthly lunch at Bradwell is a marvellous way for the church to support members of the community. The 1000th lunch having been cooked and served testifies both to its popularity with the people of Bradwell as well as the huge amount of hard work which goes into providing lovely hot meals for free.
“It started with funding from the Parish Council and is a good example of local collaboration, building bridges in the service of God and the community.”
Not content to rest on their laurels, the St Nicholas team will introduce a new Care Café on the first Wednesday of each month in the new year.
“This will be a space for people to come together, share a cup of tea, enjoy a piece of toast or a bacon sandwich, and foster a sense of community,” Revd Deall added.