ABOVE: Happy volunteers in the new kitchen at the Parkes branch of the Australian Red Cross in Church Street. They are (L-R) Val Glasheen, Ruth Simpson, Norma Oliver and Lee Robertson.
The Red Cross Tea Room in Parkes is open again every Friday after the lockdown has ended and the volunteers could not have been happier.
They have been eagerly awaiting the end of lockdown and returned with extra big smiles two weeks ago to serve hot drinks, and home made sandwiches and slices from their newly renovated kitchen.
“We have missed the company so much and hope everyone can come back,” said President Norma Oliver.
She said on busy days they would have up to 40 people coming in for morning tea or lunch at the bargain price of $7. “We hope everyone can come back to see everything is bigger, better and brighter.”
The tea room has also received a touch up with new tables and chairs and red and blue table cloths that creates a festive atmosphere. The kitchen was fully renovated and has a new urn, fridge, stove and dishwasher.
“It’s great to be back seeing the old faces,” said Val Glasheen, who is one of about eight volunteers who help out on Fridays.
Lurlene Burns and Jane Sunderland are two regular customers who who seized the opportunity to restart their regular date to meet at the tea room. “We were bored to tears sitting at home and are very happy to be back,” they said.
LEFT: Lurlene Burns and Jane Sunderland enjoy having a cuppa with company in the Red Cross Tea Room that is open every Friday from 9:30am to 2:30pm.