Darvel group arehelping homeless

Earlier this month they provided a festive meal for homeless people at the Hope Kitchen, based at Wellington Square Baptist Church.

The food was funded and prepared by members of the Christian group based in Robertsbridge.

Guests were also joined by other local volunteers from churches across the Hastings area who regularly help at Hope Kitchen.

The Salvation Army band led the carol singing, and guests were encouraged to choose which carols they wanted to sing.

Each guest was given a Christmas gift bag of goodies at the end of the evening, which contained useful items such as thermal hats, socks, gloves, toiletries, stationary, and sweets.

For many of those who attended it could be the only Christmas present they receive this year.

George Hornsby, one of the trustees of the Hope Kitchen, said: “We have been running the Christmas dinner for 10 years. It’s for the homeless, those struggling with life and lonely people as well.

“They really appreciate it and look forward to coming into the kitchen.

“It is a bit of a change for them and they get to come in and speak to people - it’s somewhere to come and feel welcome.

“The food is prepared by the Darvell Community to whom we are very grateful. The spirit of Christmas is really alive in this event.

““The Salvation Army played a variety of Christmas carols and everyone joined in.”