Royal seal of approval for Chesterfield kitchen

The Queen’s daughter-in-law, The Countess of Wessex, will visit Gussie’s Kitchen at Saints Augustine Church on Tuesday (November 20).

She will receive a tour of the centre and meet people who use the kitchen on a regular basis.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader, said: “The area of Chesterfield where Gussie’s kitchen is based has a large number of people out of work – more than twice the national average – and Gussie’s Kitchen makes sure that these families, and those who are in work but in low paid jobs, have at least one hot, nourishing meal each week.

“We are proud to welcome HRH The Countess of Wessex to Chesterfield to show her the excellent work carried out by local volunteers.”

The kitchen, which first opened its doors in 2016, offers a three-course meal each Tuesday using food provided by FareShare East Midlands.

Adults give a donation, children eat for 50p and under-fives eat for free.

This food is in date but would otherwise be thrown away. People can also take away a bag of food for £2.

The project also gives people who may be isolated the opportunity to meet and chat together.

The project has received funding from Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council and is supported by Tesco branches in the area and Saints Augustine Church.