The North Fylde Group has once again demonstrated its strong commitment to the local community with a generous Christmas donation to Faith in the Community, a Fleetwood based charity that runs The Pantry Food Bank.
North Fylde Group Charity Steward Adam Turner arranged the annual donation, with an impressive total of £4,220 presented on behalf of the group. Adam highlighted the fact that not only was it a significant financial contribution, but a large quantity of essential food and household items were also purchased and donated.
This was made possible thanks to the owner of Elly’s Warehouse, Chris Hardingham, who sourced items in bulk and supplied them at cost price. This approach enabled the group to provide far more items than The Pantry would otherwise have been able to purchase themselves. Following discussions with The Pantry, their preference remains for monetary donations to help cover running costs and support their work throughout the year, although donations of items are always very welcome. The group is also grateful to Malcolm Worsley of Thornton and Cleveleys Lodge No 3854, who donated two large boxes of food items.
Provincial Grand Chaplain and Third Provincial Grand Principal, Father John Hall, serves as treasurer for The Pantry. He was instrumental in its foundation alongside colleagues from other churches and organisations in the town. Father John also oversaw the inception of Faith in the Community, which brings together two Christian based groups supported by the Roman Catholic parishes of St Wulstan’s and St Edmund’s and the Church of England parishes of St Peter’s and St David’s. Working closely with Canon Alf Hayes, the organisations merged their community projects into a single, coordinated provision for Fleetwood.
As we are all aware, many individuals and families in our community face desperate circumstances not just at Christmas, but throughout the year, often struggling to access basic necessities. Faith in the Community aims to provide help and support to families and single people in Fleetwood experiencing hardship due to financial difficulty, illness, or family problems.
The Pantry supplies limited food provisions on a weekly basis and operates entirely through unpaid volunteers. It is supported by a dedicated team of 35 volunteers, led by Mike Smith. Their work includes collecting food and toiletries, maintaining stock and packing parcels. These parcels are often tailored to individual needs, considering dietary requirements and religious considerations.
Several North Fylde Group members regularly volunteer with The Pantry, including Rev John Hall, John Eastwood and Ian Glass, further strengthening the group’s ties to the local community. The Pantry is in the former Fleetwood Hospital building at 73 North Albert Street and is open 12pm to 3pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. For more information about Faith in the Community, please visit their website by clicking here.
