Storm Austen arrived on Friday morning bringing wet and windy weather. Although the kitchen fan in the Crypt is still out of order, chefs Arul and Nigel cooked a delicious meal in the upstairs kitchen and were able to keep it hot until lunchtime. Chicken wings with dahl and rice (or vegetarian option) went down very well with the clients. There was a steady stream of people and sadly no takeaways this week - by the time the last few clients had been fed, there was no food left. Also available today was a barber, hot showers, clothes donation, life skills class and food parcels. And a few hours of companionship and warmth.

Jp arrived to help James and Steph Ducat at the grocery section and hand out bags of food to cook or snack bags for those without cooking facilties. Giles went to the clothing section and was guiding people to the different pieces of clothing they were aload including the t-shirts we normally see tourists buy. Jacquie was serving food in the sitting area. Today coronation chicken was served with a lemon couscous salad. Once all calmed down in the grocery and clothing section, Giles went to help in the kitchen to clean dishes and JP clean the grocery area. Steph was also clearing and helped in the foyer.

Friday Hub is popular with some Goodgymers and today was one of those days with loads of us turning up early to setup and prepare the day ahead. Jacquie was on tea service duties where you had a choice of various cereals and biscuits. Anna was on her first session at ESK where she helped Doreen in the clothing section. James and Steph Ducat were on food grocery preparation but also helped removing price tags off t-shirts for Doreen. We also separated eggs 🥚 so we could give them out with the food bags.

I was back in one of my favourite places today - Ealing Soup Kitchen. And once again serving the clients lunch - delicious curries, either chicken or vegetarian, with rice and cabbage. It seemed to be a slow start to the lunch service but it quickly got busier and we found ourselves rushing to clear tables so we could get new guests settled. As always it’s a really rewarding session.

It was chicken on the menu for lunch today - or vegetarian alternative - with potato salad and coleslaw. Chef Vinka prepared a delicious meal which was much appreciated by the guests. Also on offer was a barber, foot care, life skills class, clothing distribution and food parcels. It was a busy session. I was again in the dining area serving meals and we had a lot of satisfied clients. It’s a lovely - and lively- atmosphere at the Soup Kitchen on Fridays and a privilege to be part of it.