The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Cooking fan Ray soups up his kitchen to make sure his neighbours are fed
A Leslie resident has cooked up a “soup-er” way of keeping connected with elderly and isolated neighbours during the coronavirus lockdown.
For Ray Howe, a retired foundry worker, has created a soup kitchen at his home twice a week and is delivering his hearty broth to locals.
It was the challenges of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic that got Ray thinking about what they could do to help those most in need in his area.
He decided his love of cooking would best suit, with the help of his wife Christine, twice-weekly soup-making sessions for his elderly neighbours and local vulnerable families.
“With the current uncertainty and the government advising vulnerable people to stay home, I just wanted to help in any way I could,” said Ray.
“I am making soup twice a week, and delivering enough for three or four bowls of soup per household, to our elderly or vulnerable families who need it in the Leslie area.”
Ray’s culinary deliveries have proved so popular he is now receiving donations of crates of vegetables, and is already handing out around 50 bowls every Monday and Friday.
Ray is now also cooking up a curry for those residents who like it.
The 62-year-old, who was last year awarded the Leslie Citizen of the Year title for his community work and raising around £40,000 for the British Heart Foundation, said he intends to continue rattling his pots and pans for as long as the lockdown continues.
“It’s been well received so far and I just want to do my bit for the community while we are all going through this uncertain time, so I’ll keep on cooking for as long as the social distancing and lockdown restrictions remain.”
April Davidson, BHF Scotland area fundraising manager, said: “At a time when we’re all pulling together in the face of huge challenges, it’s heartening to hear such a positive story.”
Meanwhile, nearly 50 key workers at
HMP Perth were treated to an Indian lunch on Saturday.
Staff working at the Edinburgh Road prison were handed curries and rice from the team at Perth-based Praveen Kumar Ready Meals.
Officers at the site also received hand sanitiser from the Arran Road firm, which has previously delivered curries to medical staff at PRI.
Staff at Must Eat takeaway in Perth have also been delivering treats.
The North Methven Street takeaway delivered hot meals to Skinnergate and Greyfriars hostels, Murray Royal Hospital and also Ochil Care Home in Oakbank on Friday.