Ben Osborn and Marcus Harness pay a visit to Derby County Community Trust's weekly Community Meal at Harrison's Hub as part of Black History Month and Together Against Racism. 

Derby County Community Trust's Community Meals programme provides attendees with food in a warm and welcome space, weekly. Recent meals have ranged from pie, chips and peas to lasagne and jacket potatoes, which have been enjoyed by attendees of all ages. The meals are open to the general public but have also hosted participants from various participants from the Trust's programmes. 

Marcus and Ben got stuck in serving Thai Green Curry, Thai Red Curry, Rice and Naan Bread to the near 50 attendees at the meal. They then spent time talking with the Trust's Premier League Kicks participants from the City of Derby Academy, who were invited to the meal by the Trust's inclusion team. After that they showed the students around the home of the Rams, giving them an insight into what it is like to play for Derby County. 

Derby County Midfielder Marcus Harness said:

"It's my first time being out in the community since I have been here. It's nice to get to know people and see some faces from the local community and hear their stories as well. It's important and something that we enjoy doing"

NCS Project Officer Tom Hodges said:

"It was great to have Ben and Marcus at our Black History Month focused meal. It's important for the students who we invited along to speak to role models and learn more about different cultures"

Touching on Black History Month Marcus said:

"Being mixed race and from a community that's probably very similar to this I think it's important to touch on some of the history of different parts of our community. It's important for everyone to learn a bit more about the people that they're with day to day, that they might not have known before"

The Trust's community meals are continuing throughout the Autumn months thanks to the support of sponsors, who donate to support the meals each week. Harrison's Hub opens it's doors every Thursday, 4.30-6.30pm and the Trust will continue to work with other charities, schools and community groups to provide meals to it's participants and pupils. 

Community meals are open for members of the public to attend, and no prior registration is required.