A CHARITY has been so overwhelmed by the generosity of a pensioner, it’s prompted a Christmas appeal.

The Bovey Tracey Community Kitchen provides meals for people across Teignbridge and beyond, and a recent knock at the door has started an appeal to raise funds to keep people warm this winter.

Stella West-Harling MBE, who runs the kitchen, said: ’A lady came to the door and thrust an envelope into the hands of one of the team, saying "I don’t need this".

’When we opened the envelope we found she’d given us £100 - her winter heating allowance.

’Pretty soon another couple handed over their £200 allowance after they had heard what happened, saying they didn’t need it either. It’s a marvellous gesture.’

The Government pays the sum to every pensioner - £100 for a single person and £200 for a couple - to help with heating bills over the winter, and Stella is asking anyone who feels they don’t need that assistance to pass it on to those feeling the pinch.

’There are an awful lot of people needing support,’ she said.

’With the removal of the fuel cap, bills have soared. One family we help has seen their monthly gas bill soar from £120 to £386, and these are people already struggling on a tight budget.

’Realistically, we have families facing a grim Christmas having lost the Universal Credit - many of them working people who are really stretched.

’I’m asking pensioners who receive the heating allowance who feel they don’t really need it, to please pass it on to us so we can help those who do.’

The money will go towards fuel bills over the winter and providing housing support.

The kitchen runs a cafe from its Fore street headquarters.

For a membership fee of just £1 people over 50 can enjoy hot meals and refreshments at greatly reduced prices, and purchase fresh fruit and veg and ready meals to take away. It’s a place where anyone who wants some company and good food can go, and Stella said they’re currently welcoming new members.

In the wider community the kitchen helps some 500 people, providing food parcels and ready meals. They serve families, pensioners and people coming out of hospital who cannot fend for themselves.

They also assist a number of food banks across the region - four in Teignbridge and two further afield in West Devon.

The hub is part of the South Devon Food Alliance, which comprises small charities and community groups such as the Ashburton Food Fridge, providing help where it’s most needed.

The kitchen is also collecting tins and dried goods for the food banks they operate.

Stella added: ’We’d really love Christmas-related food at this time as well,’ Stella said.

’People forget rural poverty is a major issue. People in remote areas are facing a real struggle.’

Donations of money and goods can be left in person at the kitchen HQ in Fore Street, Bovey Tracey, Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm. The charity also has a donate button on its website www.communitykitchenhub.org.uk.

BY patrick beasley