I was initially guided by Chris Copsey from Castle Acre, who had recently started a similar venture in her village. We managed to secure a grant from Breckland District Council to help buy the equipment and were offered the free use of the Church Centre for our activities. Twelve helpers attended a Health and Hygiene course and received a certificate of competence.
Our first lunch was held on 21st February 2002 with 10 members present. Lunches are held on alternate Thursdays during school term time and the meals are collected from Marham School. The meal consists of a roast dinner, dessert and a hot drink and costs £3 per head. Members telephone Narborough Church Office on Wednesday morning (9-11.30 am) to book a meal for the following day at 12 noon. We hold coffee mornings to provide the extras e.g. serviettes, hot drinks and Christmas treats. We enjoy these coffee mornings and anyone and everyone is welcome to join us.
At present we have 22 members and 14 helpers. The helpers work on a rota system to either collect the food, transport members needing a lift, serve and wash up in the kitchen or act as hostess/waitress. If you are interested in joining us as a member or helper and live locally, please telephone the Church Office on 01760 338562, Wednesday mornings 9-12 am for more information.
Julie Ambrose-Potter