I

If you call to me I shall answer and tell you great and mysterious things of which you are still unaware.

Jeremiah 33, V3

What are we?

Why are we here?

Where are we?

Who are we?

Our activities

This month's events

The Peoples' Church

Links Page

From the Brentwood Gazette

There's no question of saving the planet but for a team of everyday hers make that heroine, in Brentwood, the mission is simply to brighten thelives of elderly people.

Every Wednesday church members from across the borough give up most of the day to lay on a lunch for the over-65's. 

They serve up a wholesome home-cooked , two course meal with tea and coffee for just £3.

The sessions at Brentwood United Reformed Church in New Road are a highlight of the week for between 20 and 30 regular dinners who tuck into tasty roast dinners, casseroles, pies and their favorite traditional puddings. 

But perhaps the cream that tops it all off for most of the guests is the added ingredients of company, conversation and a dash of laughter and fun.

The team that makes it all possible is headed by South Weald Councilor Ann Coe - who is also the verger of St Peter's Church in the village. 

But the whole army of volunteers deserves recognition.

It includes Sandra Nunn, the ADC for Brentwood Beaver Scouts, Supply teacher Margaret Gazely, Liz Fleming, an American currently living in Brentwood, retired librarian, Sylvia Sutcliffe; Joyce Lindley, Jean Winter, Margret Cheer, Jenny Mayo, Jenny Cook, Gillian Tytherleigh, Patricia Benham, Mauriel Cantor, Eileen Gount and Pat Broughton.

The Lunch club is an ecumenical exercise involving churches from across Brentwood.

Ann said; "We make a proper, home-cooked meal using fresh produce.

Some of our guests have been coming for years.  We get between 20 and 30 but we could cater for up to 40- so more are welcome.

Sylvia Sutcliffe, whose job is to lay the tables said: "The people who come are so grateful.  Some are quite infirm and for many it is probably  the only outing they will have all week."

But listen to what the scheme achieves from those who were last week tucking into sausage casserole, mash, cabbage and cauliflower followed by rhubarb crumble and ice cream.

Hutton resident Ron Richards, 86 said: "I always look forward to Wednesdays.  My wife died in May and this is helping me get out."

Warley pensioner Harry Spurs, 94 this week said: "It makes a break when you live on your own - and there is no washing up either!"

Romance has also blossomed at the c;ub for Doreen Howel, 73 and Hary Young 85 who both live in Brentwood.

Tea and biscuits are served from 11.30am and lunch at 12.30pm.