Martham churches launch reverse Advent scheme 

The foodbank run by the churches in Martham have introduced a Reverse Advent calendar, to encourage people to donate those treats which food parcel recipients often cannot afford to buy. Tony Rothe reports.

Earlier this year, Martham Parish church, along with other churches in Martham, set up a Foodbank to serve the needs of those who are hungry in Martham and the surrounding villages. The foodbank generally appeals for donations of tinned food, coffee, fruit juice, eggs, vegan food etc, but have now come up with a scheme to enable them to provide extra treats for the festive season.
 
Many people have advent calendars where they receive a chocolate or other treat every day. Martham Foodbank have turned this around, and they are encouraging people to keep a ‘Reverse’ Advent Calendar, to give something rather than receive something on each day from December 1 to 20.
 
Rev Steven Sivyer, Rector of Martham, pictured above in front of Martham Church, says “Advent is traditionally a time to prepare us for the great feast of Christmas. We would like to encourage people to help those in need of our Foodbank to take part in that feast buy buying some of the nicer things that they can’t afford at Christmas. The suggested list is below, although every item is not compulsory, and you do not need to go shopping every day. Thank you for taking part in this and we wish you a blessed Christmas.”
 
You can hear his message on YouTube here.
 
1             Mini Christmas Cake
2             Standard Christmas Pudding
3             Mince Pies
4             Biscuits
5             Yule Log
6             Mixed Nuts
7             Sharing packet of Crisps
8             Twiglets or equivalent
9             Box or Tub of Chocolates
10           Children’s sweets
11           Gingerbread
12           Tinned ham
13           Tinned salmon
14           Stollen Loaf
15           Chocolate Money / Tree Decorations
16           After-Dinner Mints or Chocolate Mints
17           Cheese
18           Crackers (that go with cheese)
19           Bottle of Coke
20           Bottle of Lemonade
 
Donors are asked to deliver their items to the Rectory in School Road by December 20, so that they can be delivered in time for Christmas.
 
Please direct any queries to 01493 740823 or martham.rectory@btinternet.com
 
Visit:  www.marthamchurches.org.uk/Foodbank