Can you help cook up a treat for pensioners? (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Can you help cook up a treat for pensioners?

Ref. 75961-119A COOK is needed to help prepare hearty meals for pensioners.

Food and Friends Lunch Club, which runs each Monday at Freshbrook Community Centre, celebrates its third anniversary this week.

But the pensioners all from West Swindon will be without a chef when Gillian Russan hangs up her apron later this month.

Lorraine Webb, club treasurer, admits that whoever takes over will have a tough act to follow.

The club is so popular that organisers have a waiting list of people waiting to join.

"All the ingredients are either brought that morning or come from the freezer," said Mrs Webb.

"This club means a lot to pensioners in West Swindon. It's a social occasion and gives them a chance to catch up with friends."

The role would suit a retired chef or dinner-lady who is used to cooking for large numbers, added Mrs Webb.

"We cater for 40 pensioners and for £2.40 they get a two-course meal normally a roast as well as coffee or tea," she said.

"The chef would have the support of five or six helpers who lend a hand washing-up and making the coffees."

Anyone interested in volunteering their culinary skills should call Mrs Webb on 01793 871017.