Weekly meeting

At tonights meeting, held via Zoom, we welcomed a guest speaker, Gill Smith of the Watton Food Bank. Our members have been supporting the Food Bank during lockdown by diverting the amount we would have spent on a meal at Broom Hall to donate to the Food Bank. Gill is well known to our President, having been a neighbour for some years. She spoke movingly of the work they do in providing essential food supplies to needy families in Watton. Hers is one of a number of satellite Food Banks which use a warehouse in Thetford as their hub. All food donations are checked, as perishable food is not allowed, and sell-by dates must be observed. As well as food, they also supply toiletries, pet food and other household goods.

The food bank operates a voucher system with their clients, whose reasons for using the sevice are varied. A major factor is that when someone qualifies for state benefits there is a six week gap before they receive anything, and food banks are vital during this period. During the last 12 months, Gill told us, the Food Bank provided 3 meals a day for 537 people. Clearly it is a much needed charity.

After a lively question and answer session, President Mike thanked Gill on our behalf for taking the time to come and speak to us. She stayed on for the rest of the meeting, where we had some fine views of Dr Mike's garden, and another 'True or False' quiz organised by Keith, who also showed more amusing videos, including a very clever song about Covid-19 set to the tune of 'Sound of Silence'.