Epping Forest’s largest emergency food agency had a week to remember despite all the disruption with the snow, including attending a royal carol service and a visit from a legendary sports promoter.

3Food4U’s week to savour started on Tuesday with a big donation of Christmas presents from its patron and Pearly Queen of Clapton Teresa Watts.

The following day the charity celebrated the second anniversary of its Chigwell Row surplus hub, expressing its gratitude to Revd Paula Preston from All Saints Church for her commitment and faith in their ethos and charity.

This Is Local London: The Chigwell Row hub celebrated its second anniversary last Wednesday.The Chigwell Row hub celebrated its second anniversary last Wednesday. (Image: 3Food4U)

Chair of trustees Pesh Kapasiawala attended the royal carol service at Westminster Abbey on Thursday.

One of only a handful of charities in Essex to be invited to the event which will be broadcast on Christmas Eve, Pesh said: “What an honour to attend in the presence of King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales.

“I am so proud 3Food4U and our amazing volunteers have been recognised for all the tireless support we provide the community.”

The week ended with 3Food4U receiving a visit from the founder and president of Matchroom Sport Barry Hearn OBE.

This Is Local London: Pesh Kapasiawala with Barry Hearn.Pesh Kapasiawala with Barry Hearn. (Image: 3Food4U)

Pesh said: “Such a down to earth gentleman, he took the time to chat to all our service users and volunteers, and presented volunteers Terry Barnard and Carol Tarrier with well deserved certificates of appreciation award.”

3Food4U offers free groceries, clothes and essentials without assessment or referral to anyone that needs it. Stopping food, household essentials and clothing going to landfill, saving the environment and feeding the community.

The charity will be open normally over the Christmas and New Year periods, including December 26 and January 2, treating and supporting people humanely with dignity and respect.

It has a fundraising page at https://www.stewardship.org.uk/partners/20356308

The community surplus hubs are open as follows:

  • Monday: Waltham Abbey - 13 Sun Street - 11.30am to 1pm
  • Tuesday: Loughton - Loughton Club, 8 Station Road - 11.30am to 1pm
  • Wednesday: Chigwell Row - All Saints Church Hall, Romford Road - 5pm to 6.30pm
  • Thursday: Ongar - Zinc Arts Centre, High Street - 1pm to 2.30pm
  • Friday: Waltham Abbey - 13, Sun Street - 11.30am to 1pm

For further details, visit 3food4u.org, email info.3food4u@gmail.com or call 01992 842642.