Brighton community pub The Bevy hosts a virtual royal visit for Meals on Wheels Week 2020

The royal virtual visit was organised by the NACC as part of its annual Meals on Wheels Week (November 2-6), a national event that raises awareness of and celebrates the UK’s essential Meals on Wheels service that delivers nutritious hot meals to older and vulnerable people in the community and a social lifeline to ease isolation and loneliness.

With the focus on the important frontline role Meals on Wheels services are playing during the Covid-19 pandemic, Her Royal Highness learned more about The Bevy and how it has adapted to continue to support the community in challenging times.

The only community pub on a housing estate in the UK, The Bevy is a crucial resource in Moulsecoomb, as a low-income area in the city.

As well as great food, the lively local offers regular activities and events to support the elderly, vulnerable and hard-pressed families, including lunch clubs and a Dementia Café.

When lockdown forced The Bevy to close its doors in March, the team was determined that those who relied on its services for physical and mental wellbeing continued to be supported. Bevy Meals on Wheels was created and by working with local schools, churches and charities, it has delivered more than 6000 meals, plus additional help and social contact, safely to the doorsteps of those in need. A vital service it will continue to provide as England enters a second national lockdown.

Hosted online by Sue Cawthray, the national chair of the NACC, The Duchess learned more about the importance of Meals on Wheels Week and the inspiring work of The Bevy, which features in the NACC’s special collection of Meals on Wheels case studies as an essential community initiative that has had a positive impact on many lives. The Duchess also arranged for a special gift of a Meals on Wheels Week celebration cake to be delivered into The Bevy, which was shared with the small group of Bevy Meals on Wheels customers who had the privilege of attending the event in line with the current guidelines.

Sue Cawthray said: “It was an absolute honour to host Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall virtually. We were thrilled, given the current situation, The Duchess was able to still meet with us for Meals on Wheels Week in a safe way. We’re very grateful for the valuable support The Duchess has given to the event and the NACC’s work to highlight the vital role Meals on Wheels services play in the community, and especially during the pandemic.