Hospitals for the future

NEWS that Frimley Park in Camberley is to be rebuilt is welcomed.

A delay to the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s future less so.

However, we are where we are. The government is pressing on with its pledge to build 40 new hospitals by 2030, where new and 2030 are moveable feasts.

It is good news that healthcare facilities are being given a much-needed shot in the arm. But it is frustrating that it is taking so long for decisions to be made in Westminster as to how much money should be allocated, and where it should go.

Frimley Park needs the green light as its buildings are falling apart. But the delay to the RBH seems inexcusable. We need to know where the hospital will be so the team looking to its future can take appropriate action and plan accordingly.

This new hospital for the future is too important to be left hanging.

We call on the government to give some much needed clarity – the sooner the better.

CHURCH NOTES Kingdom Keys: Eating Together

EATING together has always met more than just a physical need. Cooking and eating together builds social connection and by saying grace before eating we make this daily need for food spiritual too.

In Wokingham, the SHARE food project collects 4-8 tons of perishable foods from local supermarkets each week which are distributed by local churches to meet physical needs.

The Well (11am-3pm every Wednesday at Kings Place, 9 Station Road) adds the social, and (for those who want it) the spiritual too.

Drinks, games, conversations and jigsaws create a happy, social-backdrop as people anticipate the arrival of near-toexpiry food from SHARE, once it arrives everybody can contribute to the planning and preparation of an open-community lunch.

This is often built around soup and bread, but on one occasion SHARE couldn’t provide vegetables, but they did have burgers and chips.

The Well is also a warm space for people to spend their Wednesday, the community is far broader than one church or faith.

Most weeks around 20 people turn-up, happy to prepare vegetables, set tables, cook, wash up and join in other optional activities.

At the end of the day they take unused fruit, vegetables and cakes home for themselves, families and friends.

The Apostle Paul once observed that: “The Kingdom of God is not food and drink”, but that’s not a bad place to start.

All are welcome, we would love to meet you there.

Wendy and Nigel Preston for The Well@ King’s Church on behalf of Churches Together.