Wiltshire’s High Sheriff, Martin Nye, enjoyed an early start in Swindon this week as he visited Big Breakfast Plus, the town’s charity café that serves the homeless and vulnerable. His visit formed part of a wider focus on food, under the theme of “farm to fork”.
Mr Nye, who assumed the role of High Sheriff in April and also chairs the Soil Association, spent time at the charity, which opens seven days a week from 7.30am, offering a hot breakfast alongside a warm welcome.
Located at the Pilgrim Centre, Big Breakfast Plus prides itself on using locally sourced produce wherever possible. The café serves around 800 free-range eggs each week, supplied by Beechwood Eggs in Berkshire. Organic milk comes from 10 Green Bottles at Berkeley Farm Dairy in Wroughton, and some sausages are sourced from Helen Browning’s organic farm in Bishopstone. Local allotments also provide generous donations of fresh fruit.
Commenting on his visit, Mr Nye said: “I was really impressed with the well-oiled machine of Big Breakfast Plus – the speed, efficiency, and very high standards, all delivered with good humour and kindness. The charity and its volunteers are doing some really valuable work that is evidently a vital part of the lives of the people who use the service.”
Charlotte Mannion, trustee of Big Breakfast Plus, added: “It was wonderful to welcome the High Sheriff. He spent a lot of time talking to the team, volunteers and guests and seemed genuinely interested in what we are doing. We absolutely agree with the principle of using local produce where we can, and are always keen to hear from potential suppliers. We get through a lot of food here, often serving well over 100 breakfasts in a day!”
The charity relies on volunteers to run the café and on donations to fund its work. Anyone wishing to support Big Breakfast Plus can find further information at bigbreakfastplus.org.uk.
