United effort sees boost for charities

Lenten Lunches were held every Wednesday in the run up to Easter in support of seven charities.

Visitors could enjoy freshly prepared lentil and vegetable soup, home-baked wheaten bread, filled rolls, home made desserts, shortbread, biscuits and tea or coffee.

Coordinator Austin Jenkins paid tribute to all those involved in running the events.

“This year the Lenten Lunches have proven, once again, to be a great success,” he said.

“This of course was due to the hard work put in by the kitchen staff, the waiters, waitresses and cashiers, together with those who went out to collect take-out orders and then delivered them, not forgetting those who set up the hall and then tidied up afterwards.

“We are also very grateful to all those who provided us with home-baked wheaten bread, desserts, donations and any other supplies.”

Sponsoring the lunches this year were Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Whitehead Spar, McMasters Butchers Whitehead, Jack Reid Cars, Caldwell’s Spar and The Rinkha, both Islandmagee.

The seven charities are NI Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust, RNLI, NI Leukaemia Research Fund, NI Hospice, Chest Heart and Stroke, Down’s Syndrome Support Group and Cancer Research.

“For the third year running each charity will receive £400, making a total of £2,800. What a result!” said Austin.