Abergavenny’s Community Centre in Park Street will see the opening of its new kitchen on March 1.

Local AM Nick Ramsay held a meeting recently with head chef Elaine Blanchard, Marion Pearse, centre manager.

“I was very interested to hear about the new kitchen and the benefits it aims to provide. As well as providing in-house events, the kitchen will provide training courses, community meals supporting independent living and holiday meals for school children as well as reducing food waste and support small food-based businesses within the community. 

“I am planning to attend the opening event when a Welsh lunch will be served using local produce,” said Mr Ramsay.

Marion Pearse added, “Since taking up residence in the old Park Street School, the Abergavenny Community Centre has nurtured the desire to operate a community kitchen that will serve different needs within the community.

“Not only by providing a facility in which cookery skills and food and nutritional education and healthy eating can be taught, but also by fostering and encouraging the celebration of food and its preparation, and the wonderful social aspect of communal sharing.

“The intention to refurbish the old school kitchen and bring it back into operation has always been one of our prime objectives.

“After two years, and with staunch local support, and some extraordinary kind acts and generosity, we are very pleased to be preparing to launch the community kitchen project.”  

ENDS