Tuesday Table in Keith restarts after lockdown thanks to legacy from centenarian former attendee Mary Mayer
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A COMMUNITY kitchen has used funding left behind in a former attendee's will to upgrade its facilities and reopen after the coronavirus pandemic.
Tuesday Table, which operates out of Keith North Church Hall, was originally set up in 2016 to provide a hot soup and sweet meal to people in the community.
At its peak, Tuesday Table saw almost 100 people attending per week. One of those who loved attending was Mary Mayer, a Keith centenarian who moved home after living in Canada for 40 years.
The weekly lunch had such an impact on Mary that she decided to leave Tuesday Table a donation in her will – which has now helped the group upgrade their facilities and restart after lockdown.
The new-look kitchen has been named Mary's Kitchen in Mrs Mayer's memory.
"It was because of Mary that we got the kitchen," chairwoman Rosemary Sutherland said. "We didn't have enough funds just from donations.
"Mary was a regular attendee at Tuesday Table and believed in what we were trying to do.
"As the kitchen was paid for by a legacy from Mary, it only seemed fair to make it Mary's Kitchen."
The return of Tuesday Table was celebrated on May 17, when 43 people turned up at Keith North Church to talk over soup and pudding.
Rosemary Sutherland admitted she wasn't certain how many would attend, but she was delighted with how the reopening went.
"We didn't know what to expect," she said. "We just made soup and pudding and hoped somebody would eat it!
"We did spread the word, though, and people came and supported us really well. Fourty-odd people is a good start, if we get that every week then that's not so bad.
"There were new faces and, as word spreads, hopefully we will get a few more in the coming weeks.
"Tuesday Table is open for absolutely everyone. It's a social occasion where people can become more unified with those they wouldn't ordinarily meet.
"It's good for folk to meet and hear each other's stories. The food is wholesome and there is no charge – although donations are always welcome."
The kitchen –which is supported by Tesco and Fareshare – is open every Tuesday between 11.30am and 1.30pm.
Its entirely volunteer run, and an extra pair of hands is always appreciated.
"We have to say a special thank-you to all our lovely helpers as without them we would not be able to do what we do," Rosemary added.
"If anyone would like to join us to help in any way then please get in touch.
"Come for lunch to see what we do and decide whether you might like to get involved, even if it is only once a month, we would appreciate your help."
