Community Barbeque was started by the Reverend Graham Anson, Family and Community Minister in 2005. The original vision for the project was to create a place of welcome and hospitality for people to come and connect with others. The aim was to connect people of differing backgrounds, economic and social standing with each other and to contribute to the hospitality and sense of community in the local area.The programme was not about charity, nor just to provide a meal.

The concept gained funding from the Mission Resource Fund to help set up the programme and to help purchase items required to make the setting inviting and welcoming such as lounges and children’s play equipment.

Community Barbeque ran for eightyears where we welcomed many people from our community who experienced the hospitality of others and were welcome to join in craft activities, games or just have a chat and a meal. It was about experiencing church in another way. It was a great way to connect with people who were a part of agencies like Hurley House and Stepping Stone.

This programme went into hiatus when the people co-ordinating it no longer had the energy to keep it going.