The smell of hot chips and toasted sandwiches wafted through the air at the launch of a Woodstock old age home’s take-away last week.
People sat at outside tables, enjoying their meals, during the special occasion at Neighbourhood Old Age Home (NOAH), in Regent Street, on Friday.
The take-away was started to make the home less dependent on donors, said Anne Dobson, Noah’s director.
“We would also like to address the issue that we see of children eating ‘junk’ on their way to and from schools in the area,” she said.
“We hope that we could in time convince the children and their parents to rather buy a sandwich from us for their child’s lunch.”
The take-away is where the Trestle Table, the home’s bric-* -brac store, once was. The shop has been moved to Noah’s offices next door.
Outside the take-away, Wilhelmina Marquad and Anne Kolbe, were enjoying sandwiches and tea.
“This is such a fantastic idea and something our area really needs, a really good local take-away which caters for all,” said Wilhelmina, a Noah resident.
She hopes the take-away will be a drawcard for the area.
“This take-away looks after everybody and has become a really good hangout spot for the senior citizens passing through this area. It’s very exciting, and I really hope it grows from here.”
Ms Dobson said she hoped the take-away would find favour with locals.
“I am really hoping this project can grow from strength to strength, but the key is that our own people must end up supporting the concept.
“We need more of these initiatives to support seniors in our community, so the community must support this project to keep it alive.”
Velma Peters is in charge of the kitchen and she says customers can expect fresh, wholesome grub.
“Everything we do here is freshly baked, and we want to create that sense and feel around the place.
“We will always try to keep the recipes as simple as possible and not try to complicate things. This supports such a great cause, and I am so happy to be part of it.”
The take-away, at 19 Regent Street in Woodstock, will be open five days a week, from 8am until 1pm.
