New Community Kitchen Opens

It was a date to be merry when the Civic Mayor of Tameside Cllr  Shibley Alam officially opened a new ‘Pay As You Can’ Community Kitchen in Stalybridge on Saturday.

The occasion marked a joyful milestone for a project built on welcome, warmth and the belief that no one should ever be turned away.

Rooted in Christian values of love, compassion and practical service, the community kitchen exists to live out the simple truth that there is always room in this kitchen, whether you arrive hungry, hopeful, curious or just in need of a decent brew and a friendly face.

Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Mayor, the community kitchen will remain open throughout the Christmas period, offering food, fellowship and full plates alongside full hearts.

The kitchen will act as a food distribution point for the Thompson Cross 24/7 Community Pantry on:

• Christmas Eve at 6pm

• Christmas Day at 12 noon

• Boxing Day at 12 noon.

Hot, hearty meals will also be served on December 27 and 28 at 12 noon. Everything is delivered as a ‘pay as you can’ initiative so you can go as you are, give what you can and receive what you need.  

If you turn up, there is room. If you’re struggling, there is grace. If you’ve got nothing in your pockets, you’re still welcome at the table.

This festive community project was made possible through the sponsorship and collaboration of Robertson Facilities Management, RMD Electrical Services Ltd and Crescent Roofing Limited.

The businesses stepped forward after The Power of Resilience CIC was named Community Interest Company of the Year at the 2025 Pride of Tameside Business Awards. 

They have donated labour, expertise and equipment to make the Stalybridge Community Kitchen a reality. 

Their generosity turned a hopeful idea into a fully functioning kitchen, proving that wise people still bring gifts, sometimes gold, sometimes frankincense, and sometimes wiring, roofing and a lot of very hard work.

Julie Mallinson, Executive Director of The Power of Resilience CIC, said: “To have the Mayor open our Community Kitchen was incredibly special. This kitchen represents hope, dignity and community. It’s faith in action - love with sleeves rolled up.”

The opening celebration was filled with festive flavour and laughter, with heartfelt thanks to Meg Plummer for cooking up a delicious, warming stew alongside Julie. 

Further thanks go to: Liz Wrightson and Emma Brewer, who cleaned and decorated until the kitchen shone brighter than the star of Bethlehem, Bryan Heap, for putting up the brew station - because even miracles start with a cup of tea - and Andreea Marinescu, for the extra vegetables that helped the stew multiply (no loaves and fishes required).

A special thank you goes to Julie’s son, Ben, whose lifting, carrying and servant-hearted support kept everything running smoothly

The Community Kitchen is part of the wider work of The Power of Resilience CIC, supported by more than 100 volunteers serving across three community pantries in Tameside, all open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for donations and collections.

This consists of:

• Thompson Cross Community Pantry, 137 Stamford Street, Stalybridge.

• Sunflower Day Nursery, High Street, Stalybridge.

• Sunflower Day Nursery, Victoria Street, Hyde,