We know that the last 17 months have placed an added burden on families and those who live on their own and this was especially felt last Christmas. Hinckley Area Foodbank(HAFB) has partnered with several other organisations in the Borough over the last few years to supply the 'food' element of the annual 'Christmas appeal'. During covid the nature of this food element change from giving food parcels to giving vouchers. These vouchers are restricted in their use in that they can only be used to purchase food (ie no alcohol, cigarettes, fuel or gifts). To this end, Hinckley Area Foodbank sets aside a portion of its budget each year to support this. Last year, despite increasing the budget allowance for this by over 30%, the need would have been well short as we saw nearly a 200% rise in demand. But God was good, He already foresaw this and in the summer of last year this a generous sponsor stepped forward to match the budget allocation so that all requests were met.

Conscience of continuing and increasing difficulties Chris Wright, fundraiser for HAFB,  organised a 12 mile sponsored walk, beginning and ending at Bradgate Park on Saturday 1st July. A dozen or so sponsored walkers, including me, plus a dog set off from the Newton Linford car park and headed up to Old John. From there we descended and walked through Lingdale Golf Club before facing the stiffest climb up Broombriggs Hill . Then it was down again before rising to the peak of Beacon Hill. Lunch was taken at the base of the country park. On recommencing our walk we took in the nearby windmill before encountering a traction engine in Swithland village. A well earned ice at the  Bradgate Park Visitor Centre near the end of the walk capped off a lovely day. The weather was kind to us throughout and the walk was well led by Chris who allowed for photo opportunities and catch-up or catch your breath stops. Many different pairings and conversations added to the enjoyment of the day. I was sponsored for over £225 and nearly £2000 was raised by the event. My heartfelt thanks go out to all who sponsored us. You may never meet the families you will bless this Christmas but many of them will say how grateful they are to be able to celebrate at that special time of year thanks to you. 

Jim Matthews