If I were A Carpenter...

Every Thursday, a group of hardworking volunteers serve "The Carpenter's Lunch" at our church to around three dozen 'seniors'. It is always an excellent meal, and the atmosphere is so friendly - people pay just £3 for their food. Bob and I attend when we can - so we can get to chat to folk [and I help with serving] On a Sunday at 'after church coffee' it is sometimes a bit of a rush to speak with people, and this relaxed opportunity to catch up with the older generation is useful. This week's menu was splendid [Thanks to Rick and Angela J.]

• pate and crackers with salad garnish
• gammon, accompanied by new potatoes, red cabbage and peas
• Carte D'or Raspberry Vanilla Log
• tea or coffee

then guests received a slice of Christmas cake and a satsuma to take home. 

I must say that the dessert was quite stunning, with the raspberry layer and the exquisite gold curl decorations. Afterwards I went up to Sainsburys to buy groceries- my 3rd visit this week - I went on Monday to ask about gifts for the lunch, on Wednesday to collect a trolleyful of lovely items from Sue, the Public Relations Link Person, and then today to buy my groceries. 

When I was chatting with the checkout operator, I said how grateful we were for Sainsbury's generosity - and she say "I have heard that your church is a very caring one" which was a lovely thing for her to say. It is encouraging to think we really are making a difference in our community. [that is a red Santa Hat on my head- unfortunately it does look like I am just swathed in a cotton wool bandage]