03 Aug 2026
A St Albans community volunteer who founded the popular Monday Suppers at Christ Church has been shortlisted as a finalist in the BBC Three Counties Radio Make a Difference Awards.
Damian Gaskin has been nominated in the Great Neighbour Award category in recognition of the community meal that has welcomed hundreds of local residents over the past four years. He was nominated by Manjeet Phull. a fellow teacher from his time in the science department of Townsend School.
Since it began, Monday Suppers has served more than 20,000 free meals, with around 130 people attending every Monday evening. While those who are able are invited to make a donation, there is never any obligation, ensuring everyone feels welcome.
The project began after Damian experienced a heart scare that led to six months away from work.
“I spent a lot of focusing on planning the family meal, walking to the shops to buy ingredients and then cooking for my wife and children,” he said.
“Whilst walking this one idea simply wouldn’t leave me alone. Christ Church had a wonderful kitchen and hall that weren’t being used on Monday evenings, I knew that there was a cost of living crisis and I wondered whether we could create a place where anyone could come and enjoy a really good meal together.”
After running a few trial evenings for members of the congregation, the idea quickly grew into a weekly community event.
Today, Monday Suppers is supported by around 20 volunteers, who prepare, cook, serve and clear away each week.
Damian said the nomination belongs to the whole team: “I’m incredibly honoured to have been nominated, but this award is really about the volunteers. Every Monday they give up their evening to welcome people, cook amazing food and create an atmosphere where everyone feels they belong.”
He added: “The food is important, but Monday Suppers isn’t really about the food. It’s about community. People come for all sorts of reasons. Some come because they enjoy the meals, some for company, some because it’s a night off from cooking, and many families come because their children can play together while they relax. Whatever the reason, everyone sits down together and everyone is equally welcome. For those who can remember the TV sitcom ‘Cheers’, it really is a place where everybody knows your name and we’re always glad you came.”
Monday Suppers has become known for serving a high-quality and varied menu of freshly cooked meals in a warm and welcoming environment, helping to bring together people of all ages and backgrounds from New Greens and beyond in St Albans.
The BBC Three Counties Radio Make a Difference Awards celebrate people who make a positive difference in their local communities. Winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Grove Theatre in Dunstable on September 28.
Reflecting on the nomination, Damian said: “To be recognised in this way is incredibly special. Whatever happens on the night, I’m delighted that Monday Suppers and the wonderful community that has grown around it are being celebrated.”
Also on the shortlist from the local area is LeeAnna’s Wish, the St Albans-based community project which set up ‘Empower Women’s Football’, a non competitive club for all ages and fitness levels which featured in the St Albans Times earlier this year.
