Active and In Touch brings autumn cheer

Although the weather outside was grey and frankly a little gloomy, it could not dampen the fun, golden light, colour and wonderful buzz within the Assembly Rooms on Sunday 13th October when Active and In Touch held its Active Autumn Lunch.

Over a hundred residents of Frome and the surrounding villages, alongside AIT trustees and volunteers, enjoyed a three-course meal, showcasing the work of members and volunteers.  

Throughout the year, with the guidance and generosity of Sam Evans, they had been growing their own vegetables in the Walled Gardens in Mells.  This produce was then translated into pickles and preserves at a workshop led by Bill Palmer and Teresa Hadland.  Subsequently, Mahesh from Lungi Baba taught Southern Indian cookery, all with veg from the allotment, which the members tasted and then took home with them.  There was a further workshop with Sue Hidvegi from “Improve With Food” about cooking on a budget.  

This fantastic teamwork and learning resulted in – along with donations from various sources and funding from the town council and People’s Budget – a veritable feast comprising a choice of soups followed by quiche, potatoes, salad, chutneys and pickles, an apple and blackberry pudding and cream rounded off with a welcome cup of tea or coffee.  

To judge by the number of members who embarked with gusto on “seconds,” all of the input to making the food had been worthwhile, whilst many members also left with a goodie bag of food to prolong the memory of this very happy occasion.      

Welcomed by Julia di Castiglione, chair of trustees and Mark Dorrington, Frome’s Mayor, AIT members sat around tables beautifully decorated with an autumnal theme, chatting to each other and the volunteers, who were their waiters and waitresses for the day.  There was much laughter to be heard, alongside enjoyment of the mellow music provided throughout the afternoon by the duo Sabbas. The musical theme was further developed with a Sing-A-Long led by Alan Didymus, vice-chair of AIT who joined Sabbas for renditions including such favourites as “Bring Me Sunshine” and “We’ll Meet Again.” One member commented it was fantastic to be with so many people who all had the same purpose – to combat loneliness through meetings and friendship. 

A raffle caused ripples of excitement as winning tickets were drawn out of the hat by Jane Wood, the wife of former chair of trustees, Charles Wood.  She also baked the cake which not only helped to celebrate the birthday of a member, Di Neyens, but also acknowledged with gratitude Di’s long service with AIT.

Julia summed up the event as “a fantastic occasion which reached out to so many people, some of whom had not been to this type of event before” and thanked all who had made  contributions and given support, especially Di Roberts, AIT assistant co-ordinator who had – apparently effortlessly and with great clarity and calm – led the whole team event.  She had been supported and helped in different ways by Fiona Macintosh who made all the desserts, Hilary Gilmore who provided gluten-free food, Bill Palmer who had given huge general support, as well as leading the pickling and preserving workshops, and the trustees and volunteers for their continual input throughout the year.  

Grateful thanks also to Rachel Griffin from Frome Town Council, Rebecca Morland, Fair Frome, Bo Bowmanshaw, Des Harris from the Mount Community Gardens, Cordelia from Vallis Veg, Sue Cross Bourton from Roots Connections, Frome Allotment Association and Jude Curle for their help and enthusiasm throughout the project.

In truth, the volunteers enjoyed themselves and gained as much from the event as the members, and this is one of the greatest strengths of AIT.  If you are interested in volunteering and would like to find out more, please make contact with Dougie Brown, service manager of AIT at enquiries @activeandintouch.org or by phone on 07572854029.