This year’s event, hosted at the Vineyard to raise funds for Newbury Soup Kitchen, proved to be a resounding success. With 123 attendees participated in a 19-lot auction. The occasion highlighted the remarkable support, community spirit, and generosity throughout the town.
Showcasing the evening was the charity Patron, Will Young, and the master of ceremonies and Auctioneer for the third year, Rob Rinder MBE, who provided, skill, humour by entertaining the audience and encouraging generous contributions and bids for the incredible prizes.
Rinder expressed his delight in supporting the event, stating, “I’m coming to this part of the world that understands above all else that it is a community responsibility, a family responsibly, it’s our responsibility to look after those amongst us within our community who have nothing. That a starting point because the world isn’t coming to fix this.
I feel immensely proud and I continue to be proud to be here, friends I’m proud of each and every one of you for supporting Newbury Soup Kitchen, showing the rest of the country and the world that there’s no such thing as a small charity, but there is communities like this that understand that our values, our value, as a community has a limitless power to change and shape the lives of those who need it most and thank you all for being here”
Commencing with a game of heads and tails, won by one of our guests, who claimed an impressive wheelbarrow of donated booze. The evening continued with a delicious three course meal at The Vineyard, generously provided by Tom Scade Chief Executive Chef and kitchen staff who have supported our charity for years, we can’t thank them enough. A stunning All Angels sparkling wine welcome started the evening beautifully. Supported by Mark Darley from All Angels Vineyard.
Pinnacle of the night was the auction, with 19 fantastic prizes donated from Banjo Cycles, Vineyard, New Restaurant The Braywood and In at Home. Raffle prizes were donated by local companies such as Pro-Vision, Camp Hopson, Flowerpot Café, Mia Fiore, Gourmet Pasta Company, The Damson and The Vineyard to name a few. This shows the passion, community spirit, and generosity among those surrounding us and their commitment to the vital work we undertake.
Founded in 2017 by CEO Meryl Praill, The Newbury Soup Kitchen is dedicated to advancing food provision and outreach in the local Newbury area. Unfortunately, homelessness, food poverty, mental health issues, and evictions are escalating challenges. The support of our community and our 25 soup dragons is pivotal.
Central to the evening and the ongoing operation of the Soup Kitchen are our invaluable volunteers and Trustees. Without their dedication, none of this would be possible.
Additionally, not a single contribution goes un-noticed and our current Soup Dragons, are an incredible support, they are local Newbury businesses who provide a regular donation to the Soup Kitchen.
To everyone who attended, our volunteers, supporters, and all who contributed to the evening’s success, we extend our heartfelt gratitude. You are the driving force behind our ability to make a meaningful impact in the community.
As we look into 2025, we are excited and nervous, losing our operational unit and searching for the perfect building to house all our services under one roof.
Thank you to Secure Systems for rounding up the raised amount for the evening to the whopping final total of £60,000. This will help our challenges next year immensely.
If you would like to get involved with the Newbury Soup, please contact us for further information. enquire@newburysoupkitchen.org.uk
I am so incredibly proud of our charity and how far we have come and what we have achieved. Having Will Young as our Patron and the infectious support of Rob Rinder is more than I could ever of imagined. Homelessness and people living in poverty is rising. Together can make a difference. It's about communities coming together. These incredible funds will be out towards our running costs, outreach and new building plans for 2025. I am incredibly humbled.
All picture credits – Elizabeth Vickers photogaphy