Alison Thomas, a member of our local community for 28 years, exemplifies the spirit of connection and generosity through her involvement in
various community projects, and at Hornsey Vale Community Centre we benefit from her commitment, most notably with the Community Soup Café initiative.
“When I returned to Crouch End from
living in New York, I thought about what I could do to be a part of this great
village. I‘ve always thought it important to give of myself and wanted to share
my love and care for this wonderful community,” Alison says. “I have lived in Crouch End for over 28 years with my daughter, who is the centre of my world and an absolute credit to me—my greatest achievement.”
Every Monday morning in term time, Alison takes charge of the Hornsey Vale kitchen, preparing and serving delicious vegetarian soups.
“Every Saturday, I receive surplus food at Hornsey Vale Community Centre from The Felix Project to ready myself for our Monday Community Soup Cafe, for which I prepare delicious vegetarian soups. It is enjoyed by 25-30 people from diverse backgrounds who come together to socialise and learn about one another. I relish these mornings of strong community.“
From hearty lentil soup to vibrant beetroot soup, Alison ensures there’s a flavour for every palate. Alongside the soups, attendees are treated to fresh bread, and tea and coffee, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where people can gather, share stories, and forge connections.
Throughout the week Alison volunteers at several of the neighbourhood schools, and is also involved in childcare with many children in Crouch End.
“l am a great motivator for our youth always encouraging and offering advice always getting a positive response; I find it very fulfilling to learn from, mentor and help shape our next generation.“
Mid-week, Alison focuses her attention on Hornsey Food Bank, where she is the logistical manager on the morning set-up team: “We take in food deliveries, and ready the tables for our guests. It gives me a great sense of joy to give back to vulnerable groups. I am also a eucharistic minister at our local church and have been involved with its Soup Run for several years.“
She is also a member of the Events Committee of Hornsey Vale Community Association, helping to organise fun or inspirational community events.
Alison’s motivation for generously giving of her time local charities stems from her belief in the importance of community engagement. As she aptly puts it, “it’s very important to be involved with your community. First, because you may need help. Secondly, you may meet people from different backgrounds, so you will always learn something.”
“Through all my work, I love being with people the most and the camaraderie that develops with helping others and accomplishing a shared vision.“
Beyond the soup kitchen, Alison is actively involved in various other community projects, dedicating her time and energy to making our neighbourhood a better place for all.
She makes sure to keep balance in her life, too: “For my down time, I have a regular Saturday walk with a mature group of people, who provide interesting banter and conversation.“
“I value friendship immensely and am blessed with lifelong relationships. I love to travel, my list is a long one that I hope to keep adding to. I love to socialise and have fun. have lively dinner parties, dance groups, theatre outings and many long walks.
I am a firm believer in mind, body, soul and massage and manicure and pedicure as self maintenance, and am constantly driven to achieve positive outcomes.
Every day is a blessing and anyone who knows me, knows that my motto is ‘Live in the moment!’“
The Community Soup Café is held in the Small Hall every Monday during Haringey term times 11am – 2.30pm. Soup is served 12-2pm.
The Felix Project is a London-based charity which rescues surplus food from the food industry that cannot be sold and would otherwise go to waste.
This is high-quality food which includes a high proportion of fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, salads, meat and fish, collected or received from over 539 suppliers, including supermarkets, wholesalers, farms, restaurants and delis.
The food is then sorted and delivered to almost 1000 front-line charities, primary schools and holiday programmes in London, reaching families and children, the homeless, the elderly, domestic abuse survivors, refugees, people on low incomes, people struggling with mental health and addiction, and more.
Hornsey Vale has been a recipient of vegetables, fruit and pantry staples since autumn 2023, and in addition to using the produce for its Community Soup Café and monthly Lunch Club, it distributes what it cannot use to local residents and other community groups.