A STREET kitchen set up by veterans to feed Barnsley’s homeless people officially opened in its new town centre home on Wednesday.
The project had a troubled start in September when it began serving food in the Peace Gardens on Churchfield opposite the police station, but without the proper permission from the council.
They had to close abruptly, but reopened in Temperance House, Pitt Street, with the backing of the council.
But the rent at that venue has increased and the volunteers have been forced to pull out.
Now, they have been offered a home free of charge in a dance studio at Team Katalyst, Peel Parade, under the Lifestyle Fitness gym.
“The dance studio isn’t used in the morning, so they’ve let us have it for free which is just fantastic,” said Tony Simpson, one of the volunteers behind the project.
“We’ve had to switch from serving hot dinners to breakfasts, but they’ve been so great with us. They even went out to buy us some frying pans.”
Tony has taken more of a back seat in recent weeks due to health problems, with Gary Markwell and Heather Booth now leading the project. But Tony said he was pleased a way forward had been found.
“We’re open every Wednesday, 8am until noon, and as a special thing on Christmas morning we’re going to be out in Peel Square from 10am until 12noon with big flasks of hot coffee and three huge cases of mince pies for anyone in need.”
An official opening was held on Wednesday featuring a performance from singer Dave Santana.
Another group, Action for Barnsley Homeless, is also struggling to keep up with increasing rents at Temperance House and is looking for new accommodation. The group welcomes the homeless for dinner on Tuesdays from about 6.30pm for an hour.
Jill Martin from the group said: “We need somewhere with kitchen facilities that’s available on a Tuesday evening, with setting up and clearing up we’re usually there two-and-a-half hours maximum, from about 5.45pm to 8pm latest.”
Anyone who can help should email bjmartin58@hotmail.com
