13 October 2026
It was great to join staff, volunteers and customers at St Chad’s Community Project who celebrated the first birthday of its community supermarket in Bensham, Gateshead. Geoff Collins, Head of Operations and Compliance at Petards presented a cheque donation of £500 toward the charity’s operating costs.
He said: “It’s a privilege to support St Chad’s and great to do so at such an exciting time as the Market celebrates its first year. We are hugely impressed by the impact it has had on the local community in such a short space of time.”
Bethan Hosker, Head of Operations at St Chad’s Community Project, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be celebrating the Market’s first birthday. In just 12 months, it has become an important part of our community, thanks to the incredible commitment of our volunteers, the support of local businesses and our members. The £500 donation from Petards is a wonderful way to mark our first birthday.”
St Chad’s Market opened its doors in September 2025 with a mission to make good-quality food more affordable and accessible to local people, while reducing food waste and strengthening the community. The birthday event marked a special milestone for the community charity where in twelve months, more than 1,600 local people have registered as Market members, and their dedicated 54 strong volunteer team has helped to collect surplus food from more than 20 local supermarkets.
The day truly shone a light on the contribution of members, volunteers, local businesses and community partners who have made the Market possible.
A shout out too, to Gateshead based artisan bakery Savour who donated a prize draw voucher for a lucky member to enjoy.
Birthday celebrations for St Chad’s Market in Bensham – Yahoo News UK