A warm welcome awaits at Hadfield Methodist

Every Thursday, Hadfield Methodist Church opens its doors to the community, creating a welcoming space where people can enjoy food, friendship, and support.

The group has become a lifeline for many, offering hot meals, games, conversation and practical help - all free, with donations entirely optional. 

The initiative began around three years ago, explains volunteer Susan Siddall, a church member and mother of Councillor Edward Siddall: “As a church, we were concerned when the war in Ukraine started and when fuel bills soared. We spoke to local people and found many older residents were afraid to put the heating on. They didn’t know where to turn for help. So we started this warm space, with support from Carmel Church across the road.” 

Alongside sandwiches and soup, volunteers guide visitors to practical support, including advice and food via Carmel’s ‘Bellies Not Bins’ project. Susan recalls one instance: “One gentleman was having trouble with his meter. Gill Cross, who manages Bellies Not Bins and is also a local councillor, helped him get it sorted the same day.” 

Sessions begin at 10:15am with a hot meal served around noon, and continue until 2pm. Volunteers such as Shirley, who prepares the soup, and Rob, whose wife bakes cakes, help create a homely, welcoming atmosphere. 

“It’s all free, but people can donate if they wish,” Susan says. “Everything goes back into the fund to buy food and equipment like a toaster.” 

Councillor Edward Siddall brings his children - Lilly May (7), Amelia Rose (5), and Iris Marie (2) - who help serve sandwiches during school holidays, adding a family touch to the sessions. 

The group is open to all, with no restrictions. Attendees can play games like Scrabble, read magazines or simply enjoy the company of others. Volunteers come from other local churches, including St Andrew’s and St Charles’s, while the church covers the cost of utilities and room hire. Councillor Siddall has also contributed funds, and the group is applying for additional ‘warm spaces’ support. 

Each session is carefully organised. A team leader oversees each week, volunteers have completed food hygiene training, and up to six helpers work collaboratively to ensure everything runs smoothly. When extra hands are needed, attendees offer to pitch in with simple tasks like washing up, reinforcing the community spirit. 

Janet Blewett, team leader during our visit, explained: “As leader, I make sure all the food is here and ready. During the session, I muck in, and at the end, I make sure everything is put away - the unseen work. It’s lovely to see new people come out of their shell and become part of our little community. The atmosphere among volunteers is wonderful - no one does this begrudgingly.” 

For many attendees, the group is a true place of solace. Regular Alan White said: 

“I come here for friendship, as I live alone, and really enjoy the company. I’m a linguist, so I get to teach several different languages here - Spanish, French, German, Italian, Greek, Japanese, a bit of Welsh, and even a smattering of Urdu! I sit with Raphael, and we can have a chat in Spanish, which is lovely for both of us.” 

Others expressed similar sentiments saying: 

• “It’s good company and gets you out of the house when you’re on your own. It lifts your spirits if you’re feeling down. It’s a godsend - I’d be lost without it.” 

• “I was nervous at first, but I’ve made friends here and feel very comfortable now. The food is lovely too.” 

• “I’ve been living alone for 19 years, and coming here means I get to chat to people. The volunteers are all very good.” 

 Sessions often fill by midday, drawing people of all ages and backgrounds. Long-time resident Ken, now in his 90s and an evacuee to Glossop in 1941, also attends regularly. The group is wheelchair-friendly and maintains a close-knit community, checking on regulars who miss a session. At Christmas, they enjoy festive cheer with turkey and all the trimmings, Christmas pudding, and volunteers dressing up. Throughout the year, friendships flourish, support is shared, and loneliness is eased. 

Susan sums up the heart of the group, “It’s a warm social space with food and advice on hand. People come on their own and soon make friends, returning week after week.” 

For many in Hadfield, it truly is a welcoming, friendly space where companionship and care are always on the menu.