Exeter Racecourse’s unwanted sandwiches to feed the homeless

Exeter Racecourse was left cursing the weather after its meeting was abandoned today following the latest deluge of rain, but the homeless of Exeter were smiling when they become the beneficiaries of dozens of unwanted sandwiches.

Rather than discard the pre-prepared food, catering staff at the racecourse called St Petroc’s in Exeter who collected dozens of sandwiches and distributed them among Exeter’s vulnerable citizens.
General manager Tim Darby said: “It was a huge disappointment that we were unable to stage our Christmas fixture, but at least we were able to help St Petroc’s and the hostels, and Christmas is a lovely time to be able to help people.”

“Losing a meeting is always a big headache, but we are all now very much looking forward to our New Year’s fixture which has become something of a Devon tradition.”

Linda Sillifant, kitchen manager at St Petroc’s said: “We were absolutely delighted and it shows the spirit of Christmas still exists. It was very kind of the racecourse to think of us. All the homeless here had sandwiches today, we gave some to another hostel, Gabriel House, and the rest are going to the Soup Kitchen at St David’s Church this evening.”

It’s been a tough time for homeless, and last night St Petroc’s was given special permission to remain open all night due to the gales and rain. “We’ll also be open on Christmas Day and Boxing Day when all the homeless will be given a free meal,” added Mrs Sillifant.