Volunteering Day at Meet n Eats Diner, Woodhouse Community Centre in Normanton

Dana Moliene, paralegal at Minster Law, shares her recent volunteering day at Meet n Eats Diner, Woodhouse Community Centre in Normanton.

At the beginning of the year, I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Meet n Eats Diner at Woodhouse Community Centre, Normanton. The purpose of this community centre is to bring people together through socialising, prayer, and sharing a meal. Everyone is welcome, but the centre especially supports those who struggle with social interaction or are among the most vulnerable in our community. For some visitors, this diner is the only chance they have each week to connect with others.

Most members find their own way to the diner, but Woodhouse Community Centre also arranges transportation for those with physical, mental, or financial barriers that make it difficult to attend.

I was warmly welcomed by Kristina, a Trustee who has been running the diner for the past 16 years. She also volunteers at the local food bank and organises community trips, including a recent outing to Whitby. There are donation boxes available for visitors, although contributions are never expected.

Getting Started

My day began with helping to prepare the tables. We laid tablecloths, napkins, cutlery, bread, menus, and added some bakery items for visitors to take home.

As people started to arrive, the atmosphere filled with chatter and warmth. The sense of community was incredible. Kristina served teas and coffees—she even knows everyone’s usual order. Around 40 visitors attended that day.

I was assigned to look after a table where three lovely ladies were seated. I first met Doris, who told me she is a regular visitor but had been absent for a long period due illness and hospitalisation. This was her first visit back, and she felt well enough to drive. She gently placed flowers on the chair of a friend who had recently passed away.

Prayers and Lunch

At 12pm, we gathered for prayers led by Kristina. We prayed for our families, for one another, and for peace in the world, especially for those affected by war. After wishing each other well, we returned to the diner for lunch.

Each volunteer was responsible for their own table. I took orders and served meals, which I really enjoyed. There was also a staff table where we sat together for lunch. I sat next to Kristina and had the chance to ask her more about the diner. I learned that the meals are cooked by designated volunteers in their homes and brought in, then kept warm in slow cookers.

I had been recommended to try the famous rice pudding, but it had all gone before the staff could have any – so I took it as a sign that I should return and volunteer again!

Kristina had organised everything brilliantly. The team included kitchen staff plating food, servers at each table, and a wonderful group of strong volunteers doing the washing up. Everything worked like clockwork. My day finished with helping to clean the diner after everyone had left.

Final Reflections

I left feeling truly warmed by how welcoming and friendly everyone was. I was invited to volunteer again anytime, as the diner operates every Thursday. I will definitely be returning – either to volunteer or simply to pop in and show support.

At Minster Law, we are proud to support our colleagues in giving back to the community. Every colleague has the opportunity to take a paid “Giving Back” day each year, where they can volunteer and make a positive impact.