AN ITALIAN feast hosted by a compassionate community group brought smiles to faces in Cirencester.

The evening was organised by Community Kitchen volunteers who have been hosting monthly free three-course meals at St Peter’s Parish Hall in Cirencester for anyone in need of a warm meal or fellowship. 

Community Kitchen meals are organised and funded by parishioners from three churches - St Mary’s in Cricklade, St Peter’s in Cirencester and St Thomas’s in Fairford - in our area.

Guests at the group's most recent event - which took place on Sunday, January 21 - were served an array of mouth-watering Italian dishes such as arancini, Caprese salad, lasagna and pasta primavera.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Decorations for the Italian themed evening Decorations for the Italian themed evening (Image: Melissa Spagnoli)

Colosseo in Fairford provided food donations and Meliny Tim of The Kitchen Club prepared the main dishes.

For pudding diners enjoyed tiramisu and an assortment of gelato flavours from Lick Gelato Bar in Cirencester.

Special Sunset in Venice cocktails were also offered to guests which comprised of orange juice, red bitter and tonic with orange slices and mint.

One of the volunteers who helped at the event said: "An evening of fellowship, friendship and support plus an amazing meal is something we can all appreciate.

"Raising a glass of Sunset in Venice when the rain poured down outside allowed everyone to relax and enjoy an Italian feast.

"A truly great evening enjoyed by all."

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Community Kitchen volunteers Community Kitchen volunteers (Image: Melissa Spagnoli)

The next Community Kitchen dinner will be held on Sunday, February 18 and will be offering Chinese food and fortune cookies.

In addition, on Sunday, March 17 the volunteers will be hosting a glorious St Patrick’s Day Supper. 

Meanwhile, in April an American barbecue will take place on Easter Monday and a night of French cuisine has been planed for Sunday, April 28.

All dinners will be held at St Peter’s Parish Hall in Cirencester and serving will take place between 4.30pm and 6.30pm.

The dinners are free to attend and no booking is required. 

Request to join the Community Kitchen in Cirencester Facebook page for more information.