Blog

When a major crisis such as the COVID19 pandemic hits, not just the nation but the world, it's sometimes easy to just sit back and think how lucky we are. True, living in the South Hams means that most people have already won life's lottery. But think again. People within our own communities, in Kingsbridge, Ivybridge and the surrounding areas, are struggling to put food on the table for themselves and their families. That's where the Foodbank charity is playing such a major role and we Kingsmen are pleased to be able to help them.

Whatever you think of what it says about society, it seems that foodbanks have become a part of necessity in our communities. Ticking over quietly behind the scenes suddenly changed when their operation was propelled front and centre to support some unexpected casualties of COVID-19.

Zoom Meeting between Kingsmen and the Foodbank

As Val Marriott, Chair of the Ivybridge Foodbank, told us that their operation of deliveries had increased by three fold since the start of lockdown.

The Kingsmen Barbershop Chorus recognise the good work done by the Ivybridge and Kingsbridge Foodbanks by donating £250 each to their cause. In a zoom ‘presentation’ they were able to meet up with Val who praised the work of her growing band of volunteers to cope with the increase in demand.

It’s a similar picture in Kingsbridge where coordinator, Gerrie Messer reported that their workload had increased from 25 deliveries a week to 175. Both Val and Gerrie experienced greater awareness of their work and the plight of families who suddenly found themselves unable to put food on the table. That has resulted in an increase in financial donations which has helped them enrich the food parcels by including fresh fruit and vegetables.

At the presentation, Chairman, Stu Newberry was joined by Secretary Ian Wooler and Membership Secretary, Jim Stewart.

As Jim said, ‘We wanted to support our communities during this crisis and what better than to do that through our foodbanks. We acknowledge the great work they do by thanking them for being of immense service to families who through no fault of their own find themselves unable to put food on the table’.

The Kingsmen have been unable to perform publicly since lockdown and rely on performances to raise money for good causes. Secretary Ian said, ‘Our membership and supporters come from these communities and it’s important for us to recognise the challenges that some of our neighbours may be experiencing, and do our bit to help out. We can do this by getting money to where it’s needed.’

Val Marriott ended the meeting on an upbeat note, looking forward to a happier time not too far in the future when we can get together and enjoy some celebrations and singing. Well said Val, we're counting the days for that too!

If anyone would like to donate to the foodbanks, here are the links Ivybridge - https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/ivybridge/

Kingsbridge - https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kingsbridge-foodbank?fb_comment_id=2910772229012905_2914985405258254