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Twenty years of serving the needy in Southsea
Volunteers and guests celebrated 20 years of Friday Fridge - the weekly ministry offered by ... read more
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Twenty years of serving the needy in Southsea
VOLUNTEERS and guests gathered at St Jude's Church, Southsea, to mark 20 years of the church serving those in need - via the weekly Friday Fridge.
They were served a two-course meal, heard speeches from the Lord Mayor and others, and had a chance to thank those who began this ministry - and those who currently make it happen.
The weekly event was launched in October 2006 as a spiritual drop-in for those coming home from pubs and clubs in Southsea. Each week volunteers would offer coffee and bacon sandwiches, a chance to chat, and some spiritual input via prayer installations. It was a way of making the church building available for visitors at a time when the centre of Southsea was busy - typically between 10.30pm at 2.30pm.
Over time, the number of late-night revellers in Southsea decreased, and Friday Fridge began to cater for a different type of guest - those who may be homeless, living with addiction or mental health issues, or who needed some company. It started to open earlier in the evening, still offering bacon sandwiches, cheese toasties, coffee and a chance to chat.
Friday Fridge remained open during the Covid pandemic, offering a takeaway service of essential food for those who queued up outside the church building each week for almost two years. Guest numbers doubled throughout the pandemic as the Fridge supported local homeless people, vulnerable adults, and those facing severe hardship.
When the pandemic eased, the Fridge reverted to being a drop-in cafe again. It also began to offer Bible studies to those guests who wanted to know more about the Christian faith.
And its leader, Jim Campbell, was honoured by HM the Queen in 2022. He was awarded a British Empire Medal in the Queen's birthday honours for services to the Southsea community.
To mark the Fridge's 20th birthday, the church threw a party that involved setting up tables and chairs in the nave, in a cafe-style, with bunting and fairy lights draped around the building. A three-piece band played jazz-style versions of popular tunes while guests were served lasagne, garlic bread and apple pie.
The church invited back former curate, the Rev Mark Rodel, who was one of those who launched Friday Fridge back in 2006. He spoke of its origins, and said how proud he was to see the Fridge still thriving. The Lord Mayor, Cllr Abdul Kadir, thanked all of the tireless of volunteers who make the Fridge possible. And the Rev Neil Smart did a brief Bible study reflecting on Jesus being the light of the world.
And Jim Campbell spoke of how proud he was to have led Friday Fridge for the past 17 years, estimating that they provide 3,000 bacon rolls for guests each year. He became emotional as he told volunteers and guests how much he loved Friday Fridge as a project and all the guests and volunteers that have been part of it. He and the Lord Mayor then cut a special 20th anniversary cake.
