Welcome Meal
Welcome Meal at No28 in Belper’s Market Place once a month is just what it says: a meal to share with others which is friendly, inclusive and is made up of delicious food.
Whether you are new to Belper or have lived here a long time, it’s an opportunity to meet new people, find out what’s going on in the community and chat over a bowl of homemade soup and a pudding.
Welcome Meal has been running for nearly 5 years. It was started to fill the gap in an increasing fragmented society where people could come together to connect over a shared meal. It gives a helping hand to those who need it for whatever reason, puts a smile on people’s faces despite loss, loneliness or hardship. Our “staff” who cook and serve are all volunteers from our community who tell me they enjoy it as much as the people who come to eat, chat and relax.
We make a choice of 2 soups each time and 2, usually hot, puddings. We often get donations of fruit eg. apples, plums and vegetables eg. butternut squash, leeks, parsley, potatoes from people’s gardens so if you have a glut please let us know – we can always build a menu round a donation. The soups are served with a homemade roll and butter and the puddings come with a choice of custard, cream or ice cream. You can have a cup of tea or coffee to round it all off. We serve the meal on a “give what you can” basis.
During these 5 years we have cooked soups from a variety of cultures for example: – Syrian – Red Lentil (Shorbat Adas), Scottish/Indian – Mulligatawney, French – Pistou, English – leek and potato, Moroccan – Harrira and puddings too often come from other places eg. Yorkshire Curd Tart, Syrian Rice Pudding, Raspberry Bakewell Tart, other worldly Magic Lemon Pudding and specials, like traditional Figgie Pudding at Christmastime.
We are supported by Unite Community, Transition Belper, Belper Town Council, the Central England Co-op, Belper Open Gardens and Viv Scott.
There is no need to book for Welcome Meal which is served from 12 noon until 2pm on the 4th Friday of the month. If you’re thinking of coming, why not bring a friend?
