Photo 2: The new leader of Men’s Breakfast, Will Blanksy, with daughter Tabby (Photo: Mimi Blanksby)
At 6.30am on the second Saturday of every month the kitchen crew gather in the Parish Centre to prepare a full English breakfast for the men of Bowdon Parish and sometimes the ladies too. It’s a well-oiled machine with clear roles, and tenuous nicknames.
Over the past seven years they have delivered over 3500 breakfasts and listened to 80 great speakers.
The driving force behind the Men’s Breakfast since its inception has been Mark Oakes. He, with Roger Preece, identified a gap in the Church’s outreach programme. In Mark’s words: “There wasn’t enough community stuff for blokes”. A sociable fry-up was the perfect way to engage them and in November 2009 Men’s Breakfast started.
The breakfast ingredients have evolved and the kitchen routine has become slicker, but Mark’s aim has remained constant: “Community has always been the purpose of the breakfast. I wanted to get blokes talking”.
He is proud of the regulars and speakers that the breakfast has attracted. An MP, a bishop, a farmer, headmasters, and a famous sports massage therapist have delivered enlightening talks to an enthralled audience.
Mark cites Ben Cooley of Hope for Justice as one that really “hit him between the eyes” and they still work together now. This is just one of many examples where talk has prompted action from the group.
In November Mark stepped down, feeling that it was time for a different perspective.
As the new baton carrier, I’m conscious of not wanting to change something that works so well. Oven roasted tomatoes were controversial enough. I do want to explore other ways to use food to get Bowdon men talking, but we will always serve a great breakfast in an environment in which friendships can grow.
As one of our new members said this Saturday: “What a great way to start the weekend!”
Thank you, Mark.
Will Blanksby
We would like to thank Will for taking on the role of co-ordinator.
Please see forthcoming events for details of upcoming Men’s and Ladies’ Breakfasts and for contact details.