A new bi-monthly community venture which offers a chef-prepared, two course hot meal and soft drink for just £1, started in Ruddington on Monday 27th June. It’s been made possible by financial support from Rushcliffe Borough Council.
Called Heat ‘n’ Eat, the scheme’s organisers say it’s a new way for villagers to enjoy affordable and wholesome food, which will be served up in the peaceful surroundings of St Peter’s Church. All are welcome to book.
Liz Mack from the church explains: “It came about our vicar and I were thinking and praying earlier in the year about how we could practically offer some help to our community, as we heard more and more about people having to choose whether to heat or eat.
“It’s often bandied about in the press, but it’s a very real and hard choice. We felt it was something we’re all going to be in together to differing degrees, just like the pandemic. When the weather is fine it’s less of a problem, but I know we’re all dreading the energy price hikes that will hit us just as the colder weather does.”
Funding was needed to provide the meals, especially as the organisers wanted to offer them over the long term. “A door opened through a conversation with Cllr Jen Walker over coffee at The Bottle Top,” says Liz.
“She suggested I try for funding through Reach Rushcliffe, which Nikki (Roe) and I then did. They generously granted us enough funding to cover most of the cost of providing and serving the meals for a year.”
Unfortunately, the cooking facilities in the church aren’t adequate for the new scheme, so an external caterer was needed. “A second door opened through a contact from our monthly Friendship Group, which had used a company called Sycamore Dining to deliver hot meals to housebound people during the pandemic and beyond.
“After a chat with Chris from Sycamore, we found a willing supplier of chef-catered two course, hot meals who would make and deliver them to us to serve at the church!”
Now everything is in place, Liz emphasises that Heat ‘n’ Eat is open to everyone – families, singles and couples of all ages – not just people for whom a low-cost hot meal can make a massive difference to their budget.
You’re asked to register in advance for each meal on Eventbrite, so organisers know how many people to cater for. The current limit is around 30 per meal, with the possibility of expanding this if demand is there. You can access the booking page here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heat-n-eat-share-a-meal-and-good-company-tickets-352508902617. For more details or help with registering, you can email Nikki at ruddoffice@gmail.com.
The scheme will take place on a Monday with the next Heat ‘n’ Eat taking place on Monday 4th July. This will be reviewed and you can find updates at RUDDINGTON.info/events.
Diners are asked to arrive at St Peter’s Church by 12.50pm with lunch served at 1pm.
Graham Wright at RUDDINGTON.info