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Feb 2021

Last Updated: 06/02/2021

Community

'Nobody need go hungry' in lockdown, say Nidderdale churches

by Tim Flanagan

| 06 Feb, 2021

The Church in the Dale was quick to realise that financial strain caused by the Covid-19 lockdowns is impacting families and individuals. Its foodbank is on offer to anyone struggling to afford food for themselves of their families.

A helping hand is being extended to people struggling to make ends meet in Nidderdale.

The cumulative financial impact of the Covid-19 lockdowns is taking its toll on families and individuals.

The Vicar of St Cuthbert's, the Rev Darryl Hall, is involved with the informal foodbank service based in Pateley Bridge.

He told the Stray Ferret:

"We are currently very well-placed to assist anybody who is in need of help.

“We receive incredible support from the local community – churchgoers and non-churchgoers alike.

"The shops in Pateley Bridge have been brilliant in supporting a food voucher scheme we introduced. Morrisons Supermarket in Ripon regularly gives us food and other essential items - such as cleaning products."

He added:

“Our aim is to ensure that people do not go without food. Nobody in Nidderdale need go hungry.”

Rev Hall has charge of six parishes in a 100-square mile area stretching from Low Laithe to Middlesmoor.

He pointed out:

“The need is clearly there, as families and individuals find themselves having to make difficult financial decisions.

“We are here and able to help, thanks to the tremendous assistance from Bewerley Park outdoor learning centre and its staff.

"They have provided a much-valued storage facility that enables us to have plenty of food items available."

The service is confidential, discreet and available to anybody - believers and non-believers alike.

The foodbank service has been extended to the neighbouring parish of Dacre with Hartwith and Darley with Thornthwaite.

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Alastair Ferneley, the vicar of Holy Trinity Church, Dacre Banks, told his parishioners:

“As the pandemic continues, we are aware that some people will not getting an income and may need some short-term support.

“Please do use this service to avoid getting into debt, or to lessen debt problems.”

Anybody requiring assistance can call Rev Hall on 01423 711414, Rev Ferneley on 01423 780262, or Nidderdale Plus on 01423 714953.

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'Nobody need go hungry' in lockdown, say Nidderdale churches

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