Special free lunch to celebrate VE Day

We brought VE Day celebrations to the doorsteps of nearly 200 vulnerable people across the borough on Friday 8 May, delivering roast dinners to vulnerable and shielded residents.

A traditional roast beef dinner (or vegetarian alternative) was provided to 200 residents who either use the council’s Meals at Home service or who had regularly attended the Community and Wellbeing Centre for lunch before the Covid-19 restrictions.

The meal was prepared and delivered by council staff volunteers, including senior management.

At 11am the team were joined by the Mayor and the Mayoress to observe the national two minute silence.

The Mayor thanked the team and said “I know many of our older and more vulnerable residents were hoping to take part in the planned celebrations to commemorate the end of the Second World War.

“The volunteers’ efforts this morning will bring some cheer during in what is a difficult time.”

Councillor Barry Nash, Chairman Community & Wellbeing Committee, added “The council’s Meals at Home service provides nutritious meals and ensures our senior and more vulnerable residents also see a friendly face on delivery of their meal

“The service continues to deliver meals during the coronavirus outbreak, with those involved in meal preparation and delivery adhering to the latest Covid-19 government health and safety guidelines”.

Staff volunteers delivering the VE Day meals - right to left -
Kathryn Beldon (Chief Executive), Damian Roberts (Chief Operating Officer)
and Linda Scott (Community Services Manager).