IT WAS A DAY to remember at Portobello Methodist Church last Wednesday, the first day of September, when the Reverend Linda Williams hosted a four course lunch celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Portobello Drop In.
The Bugle was there to record the happy diners and volunteers before they tucked into some bostin’ fittle, and one of the volunteers, Roy Perkins, who is also a church steward, told us all about this very special event: “Twenty years ago our church, like many others, was facing difficulties, such as a dwindling congregation, and even with youth activities within the church, it was difficult to see a way forward. A group of us put our heads together and had a favourable response from Wolverhampton Borough Council who suggested the possibility of a grant for some form of community work within the area, especially as a community help scheme not far from the church was just about to close.
“As a church we realised we could offer a building and volunteers to begin a drop-in centre for anyone, young or old, lonely or bored. We had people available who were willing to listen to problems, and we could provide a place away from any inclement weather where friends could meet and chat over a cup of tea.
Within twelve months we were getting 60 to 80 people through the door on a weekly basis, and we had to quickly move on from basic snacks to providing at least 60 hot lunches and puddings every week.
That was twenty years ago and thanks to the volunteers, and those who make the most of the Portobello Drop-In every time we are open, we’re still going strong.
Our volunteers have become friends to many of our customers and this comradeship is appreciated by everyone, the helpers and the helped. All 11 of our volunteers are now over 60 years of age, most more than 70, and a couple over 80, but their age doesn’t diminish their enthusiasm.
“It is our intention to continue the work we started twenty years ago, and fingers crossed we’ll be back in five years time celebrating our silver jubilee.”
