St Paul’s Carlton Breakfast Club was started nine years ago when a need was identified where children, who would otherwise have had free school meals during term time, often went without meals during the holidays.
Rev. Wendy Murphy and her husband Pete decided to address this by providing a breakfast (cooked on Friday) and packed lunch three times a week over the summer holidays for any child who needed one.
Gedling Eye spoke with Lynne Faulkner from St. Pauls who said:
“We provide games and craft activities for the children whilst they are with us.
My children love the St Paul’s Breakfast Club. It feels like a second home through the summer, and a safe place for them to be (Sarah)
“In later years we have included a free trip to Rufford Park (this year booking two coaches as it was particularly popular!) and gave out free goodie bags courtesy of local charity Bags of Blessings .
“On the last day of Breakfast Club we hire a bouncy castle and have it inflated between the choir stalls at the front of the church.”
Lynne told Gedling Eye that over the 12 days they have been open, they have seen 1117 people use the club, they have fed 702 children (between 0-17) and an amazing 112 people went to Rufford Park on the last week.
The St Paul’s Breakfast Club has been fantastic! What an absolute godsend this summer holiday. My two children have absolutely loved it! Gutted it is coming to an end today. I understand younger volunteers are needed for next year. I hope everyone volunteers (me included). Please bring it back!! (Loretta)
Lynne added “We would like to say a massive thank you to local businesses and charities that have donated money in order to make all this possible.”
