Kidlington food larder group moves most of operations

The group said it provided an estimated 31,000 low-cost or free meals between March 2022 and November 2023

An organisation that runs a food larder has moved part of its operations after facing rent increases at its old base.

Cherwell Collective previously operated wholly out of Exeter Hall in Kidlington - which is owned by Kidlington Parish Council.

The group will now run sessions on Fridays and Saturdays at WISH in Kidlington.

They will maintain a presence at Exeter Hall, with sessions still running there on Thursdays, and during half terms.

Dr Emily Connally, director and founder of Cherwell Collective, said: "It does not matter where our doors are. It matters if they are open."

"No matter why a person comes through our door, what we hear time and time again is how those visits improve their life."

Emily Connally started the Cherwell Collective in 2020

Between 11:00 GMT and 14:00 every Friday and Saturday outside of school holidays, the group will offer a small meal, tea and activities at WISH - a climate action museum in Kidlington.

The group said they were "saddened by the circumstances that have necessitated this change", and were "concerned about how it will affect our incredible community".

"We are doing all in our power to make this transition a smooth one and to support those most in need of our services."

Operations on Thursdays and half terms will remain at Exeter Hall

Councillor David Robey, who is chair of Kidlington Parish Council, said: "Kidlington Parish Council agreed at its recent meeting to a 60% reduction in our fees for the use of the facilities at Exeter Hall. This is only slightly smaller than the reduction of 66% applied up to now."

"We are delighted to continue to support the work of the Collective as we have for many years. In addition to this discount, we also give them free and exclusive use of a large barn for storage and the use of allotment plots to grow food for the larder."

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