Bees get a buzz from promoting healthy food

Buzy bees . . . (from the left) volunteers Stephen Morris, Joanne Lewyckyj, Hameeda Khanum, Mel Coffey, Joanne Rogerson, Gail Robson (cafe co-ordinator) and Gail Hirst

Volunteers have harnessed a wealth of cookery knowledge to encourage Hathershaw and Fitton Hill residents to make healthy choices.

Based at the Honeywell Centre, the Buzy Bee Cafe serves simple, tasty and nutritious food to its customers at a price they can easily afford.

The idea came from a group of residents who were concerned that many families were reliant on quick, processed, unhealthy meals, and the age-old tradition of passing on home-made recipes from generation to generation had been virtually lost.

They set up the cafe, which is run entirely by volunteers, to encourage locals to widen their choice. The dedicated group has a diverse mix of members of both sexes, ranging in age from 18 to 70. Some are able-bodied or physically disabled, and others have learning difficulties.

Their enthusiasm and innovation means many customers now ask for baked potatoes, salad, wraps or home-made soup, instead of asking for chips with everything.

Lesley Starmer nominated the team for a Pride in Oldham award, saying: “To say they go the extra mile is an understatement.

“They are testament to what passion, dedication and enthusiasm brings to deprived communities.

“They are a shining example of what can be achieved by volunteers.”

Delighted at being nominated, the group has 15 volunteers who between them keep the cafe open five days a week.

Volunteer Mel Coffey said: “It is absolutely fantastic. It’s a great opportunity to show Oldham and our neighbourhood how far we’ve come.”

Gail Hirst said: “Wow, I can’t believe it — it’s great for me and the rest of the volunteers because we feel so proud of the work we have done and we can see how much our community is benefiting from the café.”