Holiday Hunger

Thanks to the magnificent effort of Dr Louise Tarbuck (branch secretary of Solva and St. David’s), this summer, selling plants to raise money to combat “holiday hunger” we raised £400 to provide food available to anyone who visits the new St. David’s Community Centre during our bi-weekly coffee mornings (Mondays and Thursdays). Mark Turner (aka “Pasty”) from Unite union was there for the whole session and was very positive about the whole concept, it is very encouraging to have Unite’s support. Labour’s position is nicely summed up by Margaret Greenwood MP, Labour’s Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, commenting on the struggle of many families to stop their children going hungry during the school holidays, said:

“The government must end its state of denial and listen to the stark evidence in this report about the way that the social security system under the Conservatives is pushing so many people into poverty, rather than protecting them from it.

“Something has gone badly wrong when people are being forced to turn to foodbanks, in ever increasing numbers, and well over three million children growing up in poverty live in working families.

“Many families are particularly vulnerable during the summer months, because they can no longer rely on school meals to ensure that their children don’t go hungry.

“The next Labour government will stop the roll out of Universal Credit, end in-work poverty and ensure that our social security system treats people with dignity and respect, to supporting any one of us in our time of need.”

The Western Telegraph have received our press release and we expect it to be published this week:

Beacon Community Group – Opens the doors for “Friends and Food” coffee mornings at the Sea Scout Hut.

The newly formed Beacon Community Group held the first coffee morning at the Sea Scout Hall in Ffynnon Wen, St Davids on Thursday 8th August. The event was opened by Deputy Mayor Bira Sehmi, who cut the ribbon, supported by Cllr Alan York and the volunteers. Minister Eluned Morgan AM also attended to give the new group support and encouragement and to chat.

The coffee mornings are called “Friends and Food”, and will be serving tea, coffee, and refreshments with a warm welcome for all. Everyone is invited to drop by for a chat, and to talk about potential plans to turn the Scout Hall into a Community Centre. It is hoped it will be possible to open a Community Fridge in the hall to serve the local community. Until then, funding provided by supporters and donations will be used to provide all refreshments free of charge. The group want to use the space to increase community well being, and so to support families breakfast and lunch foods and bakery goods will be available to take away, also free. The Beacon group feel this is a much needed resource especially for families over the summer.

The first coffee morning was a great success, with many people dropping by to see what was going on, and staying to enjoy a chat, drink and a sandwich and cake. Even a few stray tourists were welcomed too! The Beacon Group said “We hope we have made some new friends today, and that as word gets around we can become a regular fixture.”

Coffee Mornings will be held 11am – 2 pm every Monday and Thursday