With recent support from Slow Food Waitakere, it has given us the boost every new idea needs, especially when it is in the public arena and has not really been attempted by a community house before.
Last year the community house was given a new kitchen so we are now able to run cooking classes for both adults and children and participants will learn how to create tasty, nutritious food using fresh meat, fish, vegetables and herbs.
Our local community garden is the source of most of the vegetables and herbs we use in the classes.
As a way to encourage people to slow down and enjoy life we have also started up a little café and are slowly developing the menu. We are currently offering fresh scones or sandwiches and tea or coffee, but will expand on that in the future and offer locally made organic, fresh bread for the sandwiches and a wider range of light, nutritious food, freshly made.
As always, a few dedicated people are committed to this idea, but we believe that we, as people who take on the role of governing a public facility, need to lead by example. It is probably no surprise that the two people taking the cooking classes are both members of Slow Food Waitakere – Karen Perri and Claire Inwood.
Ranui Community House is at 474 Swanson Road, Ranui. There are many classes and activity groups using the facility. The office is open from 9am to 3.30pm. Contact us by phoning 833 6280 or email at ranuicomctr@xtra.co.nz We even have a website at www.ranuicommunityhouse.co.nz The House is managed by Lippy Chalmers who is well known for her involvement in organics and whole foods in west Auckland and the café is currently open on Monday - Friday from 11am to 1 pm if you are passing our way.
Karen Perri