A man who has operated a food bank in Sutton Bridge for the last ten years was among this year’s Pride of South Holland.
Terry York was awarded the Senior Citizen Award by sponsor Calthrops Solicitors at this year’s ceremony.
The 78-year-old former rugby player and wife Janet were for a long time members of the Lions organisations but at the time local groups only let in male members.
They did join the Lions group in Kettering, but Terry set up the food bank as he wanted to something more locally.
It’s now a full charity with 12 volunteers helping feed those that most need it.
“We started off as just a small food bank in St Matthew’s Church but have just got bigger over the years and now have our own industrial unit,” he said. “At one point in six months we did over 30,000 meals.
“Now we also work with a number of others and bulk buy items on pallets to distribute around the others.
“We work with the likes of Wisbech Salvation Army, Holbeach and Agape food banks working together to ensure they have what they need.
“At one point we also provided for King’s Lynn’s Salvation Army but they’ve closed down.
“Money is becoming increasingly tight and families only have a certain amount of pounds to spend.
“We all work together to do the best I can.
“It’s not just about providing food.
“A lot people have dementia or come just because they haven’t spoken to anyone for a week or if they want help.
“I used to work for the Citizens Advice Beaureau so I’m able to do that.
“If we can help out, that’s great.
“There’s a huge need for the service at the minute, particularly in Sutton Bridge after Bakkavor Salads closed, which was a double blow for us as we used to get salads from them.”
Despite his age, Terry still continues to operate his logging business of which 25 per cent of the net profits goes towards the food bank.
“The Pride of South Holland Award was a huge surprise,” he said. “I was on holiday when it was announced and didn’t know anything about it until a few weeks before.”
Terry was nominated by Graham Scorthorne, who highlighted his work in helping a particular individual as a spark for the food bank idea as well as his work with Sutton Bridge Parish Council.
Graham said: “Supported by his wife, Terry is a friend to all in need and the perfect example of a good neighbour.
“He seeks nothing other than the knowledge that he has helped someone in need.”
