On Wednesday 5thOctober the Purton Community Fridge was officially opened by Purton Parish Council Chairman, Ray Thomas at a celebratory opening covered by Points West and local press.

The Purton Community Fridge is based in the lobby of the Silver Threads Hall where the Pip Community Café is run. It was set up earlier this year by a group of volunteers. It has been funded by the generosity of local people through the project’s Just Giving page which has raised £550 and Purton Parish Council who have supported the scheme with £594.The fridge is now open four days a week and receives donations of food destined for landfill from Co-op, One Stop, Purton House Organic Farm, and local people. It offers both chilled and pantry items as well as toiletries and on occasions dog food.

The opening event was well attended and had real ‘buzz’ to its atmosphere. It welcomed around 40 people from the local community, as well as from Wiltshire Council, Local Policing, Pips Community Café, the Co-op and One Stop Supermarkets and Purton Council.

The event commenced with the ringing of a hand bell, before Chairman Cllr Ray Thomas gave a speech, formally cut the ribbon, all applauded, and cheers erupted.

Chairman, Cllr Ray Thomas Said:

“This is such a worthwhile project. Purton Parish Council are most pleased and happy to support it in full, particularly in the current economic climate with the high cost of living and people relying on food banks across the country.”

Further celebration was experienced by the presentation of a cheque for £693.33 by Pips Community Café to the Purton Community Fridge which will help with ongoing costs including cleaning items, insurance, electricity, and training.

The occasion was marked with tea and a celebratory cake made by local business Delicious Delights and cut by Purton Community Fridge volunteers Linda Buckland and Karl Cordas.

Chatting to the Purton Community Fridge team, they took great pride in the volumes of food given and passed on, which one volunteer highlighted as equivalent to ‘the weight of a small horse’! Further, that in line with the projects ambition to reduce waste reaching landfill - to date there had been no waste, with just a few items added to the compost bin to help generate next year’s crops for the fridge.

At the opening, fridge, pantry shelves and the lobby were all abundantly stocked with the latest supplies from Co-op Supermarket, Purton House Organics Farm, allotments, and generous personal donations from local people. A member of the local community said, “It’s brilliant, I have used it”.

Comments and feedback from the Community and Councillors showed equally strong support for the new project.

Purton Parish Councilor Cllr Sue Relfe added:

“I’m amazed at the generosity of organisations in the village and the individuals who donate from their allotments.”

And indeed, Wiltshire Councilor for Purton Jacqui Lay added her delight in the community activism saying:

“It’s just great to see that the community have got up and done this. They’re a wonderful team!”

The Community Fridge is open to anyone and everyone to prevent waste going into landfill and to obtain free supplies during the week between 10.00am-4.30pm Monday-Thursday and 10.00am-1.30pm on Fridays. To find out more and how you can support the voluntary community project follow them on Facebook @ Purton Community Fridge

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