Hampers of festive cheer

Local councillor and owner of the Wetherby Bike Shack, Dean Buckle, his wife Mally and members of the Old Men’s Parliament, have joined forces with Morrison’s Supermarket, Anna and Will from The Oven Door, Manning Stainton and Wetherby District Lions to fill food hampers for 35 families.

Coun Buckle said: “In these difficult times, it isn’t always about you.

“We’re all part of our community supporting and looking out for each other.

“We know that these hampers will bring great delight to the most deserving in Wetherby and we are very grateful for the support we have received from other friends and supporters in our community.”

Morrison’s are helping to make up the hampers.

“We work hard to engage with and support our local community,” said Morrison’s Community Champion, Mark Hopkins.

“And we are very pleased to be able to contribute to this wonderful initiative.”

Recognising the difficult and stressful times faced by many families, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, Wetherby District Lions has also stepped in to provide extra funds.

These have been boosted by an “extremely generous” contribution from local estate agents, Manning Stainton.

“Serving the local community is our passion and this Christmas we will happily be focusing on hampers as well as houses,” said Steve Riley, Manning Stainton manager.

“Our company is very involved with the local community and we are very proud to be able to support Dean and his colleagues.”

The delivery of the hampers will be organised by John Trower and members of the Old Men’s Parliament who provide company, entertainment, gossip and refreshments to the old folk of Wetherby during ‘normal’ times on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

John is inviting people to join them: “We meet in the Whitaker Shelter in the Garden of Rest. Bring some biscuits.”