IT IS now five years since a small group of volunteers decided there was a need for somewhere in Week St Mary for people to get together once a month to meet, enjoy a bite to eat and have a chat.

The group eventually moved from the rectory room to the parish hall due to the number of people wishing to attend regularly.

The ‘Meet and Eat’ group still meets on the first Monday of the month, with the cost being £4 per person. There is always a choice of soups and sweets as well as tea and coffee.

Linda Cobbledick said: “We are very grateful to the few who have over the years offered on occasions to donate soups and sweets, which has enabled us to raise a considerable amount for charity.”

To date, funds have been donated to: Stratton Hospital (£350); Huntingdons Cornwall (£250); Week St Mary Parish Hall (£100); Holsworthy Hospital (£300); North Devon Hospital Chemotherapy Department (£320); North Devon Hospice Longhouse Holsworthy (£350); Children’s Hospice South West Little Harbour (£350) — totalling £2,020 in five years.

The group’s main expense, apart from the food, is the hire of the parish hall, at £21 each time. The decision has been made to give £25 each month so that the group’s members are making an additional small but regular donation to the parish hall.

If anyone wishes to donate home-made soups or sweets or even help, please contact either Sue Dickenson on 01288 341016 or Linda Cobbledick on 01288 341468.

Linda added: “Everyone is welcome to come for lunch and we would love to see you there, here’s hoping we can continue to raise money for charity and we can carry on enjoying our meet and eat.”