THERE may be a number of your older readers who either already receive individually delivered meals or would like to do so. What they may not know is that in the Forest there is a choice of supplier.

Gloucestershire County Council awarded its contract for the supply of meals for the county of Gloucestershire to the WRVS in Cheltenham and social services refer people to this service. In the Forest, however, there is an alternative as the Age Concern kitchen in Cinderford has been supplying individuals and luncheon Clubs for 17 years. A three-course meal, consisting of soup, main course and pudding, currently costs £3.30 and anyone who is unable to prepare a meal for themselves and would like a hot meal delivered is encouraged to contact Kim Worgan, the manageress, on 01594 827927. Special requirements, such as diabetic and vegetarian meals, are also catered for on request.

Recently, the Cinderford kitchen received a visit from representatives of Age Concern in Oldham, Lancashire. They have no meals service there and were keen to see how Kim and her team organise and carry out the preparation and delivery. They were very impressed indeed and left with much good advice from Kim about how to set up a service themselves.

If you value a local service, using locally sourced food and delivered by local volunteers who personally plate up the food for clients, then give Kim a ring. – Daphne Pearson (Dr), Chairman, Age Concern Forest of Dean, Redbrook.