Cafe owner honoured for giving 6,000 free meals

A Newtown cafe owner who provided over 6,000 free meals during the first Covid-19 lockdown has been presented with a prestigious honour.

Andrew Finch of Express Café in Newtown has received a Silver Kite Award from Cllr Gwynfor Thomas of Powys County Council for outstanding services to the community by providing free meals to residents in Newtown and the surrounding areas during the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
Mr Finch was nominated for a Silver Kite award by Mrs Jo Weller, who made the nomination through her local council member, Cllr Heulwen Hulme.
 
“I’m delighted to have presented Mr Finch with a Silver Kite Award,” said Cllr Thomas.
 
“This award recognised his efforts but also the efforts of his staff and those volunteers who delivered hot meals to the most vulnerable and isolated in the community.

"Not only has he shown outstanding kindness, but he has also gone beyond the call of duty and fully deserves this recognition.”
 
Accepting the award, Mr Finch said: “I’m extremely honoured to have received the Silver Kite Award for our free meal campaign during the first lockdown.
 
“I’m proud to accept this award on behalf of the amazing team of volunteers who made it all possible.  I want to give special mentions to Gary Gandy, Michelle Jarvis, Paul Hawthorn and Andrew Meek for their massive commitment but also a big thank you to everyone who donated so generously.”