Sidmouth Methodist hall to offer warming lunch to older residents as part of Age UK Devon campaign

RESIDENTS and businesses in Sidmouth are backing a charity’s campaign to help the old and vulnerable during cold weather.

Between Sunday, February 12 and 19, Age UK Devon will run Big Hearty Meal Week, to encourage people to help older residents stay warm, well and in touch with others.

Restaurants, workplaces and individuals can join in by inviting people to share a Big Hearty Meal with them, in return for making a donation to the charity.

On Friday. February 17, older people are invited to come along to Sidmouth Methodist Church hall from 10.30am to 3.30pm for morning coffee and biscuits, a lunchtime, hearty homemade soup and roll, or a warming mug of afternoon tea.

The focus of the event is on providing information and advice to keep warm and well. There will be advice on saving money, how to cut energy costs and reduce your water bills, and Age UK Devon partner, Stones Solicitors LLP, will be on hand to answer any legal queries.

Sidmouth’s Waitrose ‘Community Matters’ scheme has funded this event and Age UK Devon is keen to find out from residents what additional community services and support they would like to see in the area.

The charity is also grateful for the support from local restaurants who will be putting on the menu throughout the week.

The Anchor Inn, Sidmouth, is making a donation from lunches sold on Wednesday, February 15 and Moores’ Restaurant and Rooms in Newton Poppleford has created a discount menu for older people, available throughout the week (except on Valentine’s evening and Saturday February, 18).

Booking (on 01395 568100) is essential to take advantage of the Moores’ offer.

Kate Moore said: “Moores’ Restaurant is proud to support this event and is offering older people a two-course lunch for �10 and an evening meal for �12.50.

“It is essential, especially in these colder months, for everyone to eat healthy, nourishing food.

“Communities must get together to ensure that this is happening in all our houses. We are donating 50p from each table booked with this offer to Age UK Devon so that they may continue their essential work. Please come and support this event.”

You can also organise your own informal dinner party and ask guests to donate to Age UK Devon.

This can either be done online at www.virginmoneygiving.com/charities/ageukdevon or by sending a cheque for the amount raised to Age UK Devon.

For more details of the campaign, call Rachel Johnstone from Age UK Devon on 0845 296 7810 or visit www.ageukdevon.co.uk.