A big helping of kindness

More than 800 Exeter pupils, parents and staff turned out for a day of food and family fun in the sun.

The event, held in the grounds of Willowbrook Primary School, was organised by the Exeter Chiefs Foundation.

And it provided a significant moment for the charity which celebrated serving its 6,000th community meal.

Celebrity chef Michael Caines MBE and Exeter Chiefs Foundation chairman Tony Rowe CBE led the serving team dishing out burgers, hotdogs pasties and jacket potatoes.

They were supported by staff from Lympstone Manor and players from the Exeter Chiefs men’s and women’s teams who also gave away hundreds of bottles of water and juice, polenta cake and ice lollies.

Rowe said: “It gives us all an immense sense of pride to see the joy on people’s faces at these school events but none of it would be possible without the incredible generosity of our supporters. Thanks to them, we’re able to make a real difference.”

Caines described the experience as one of the most rewarding parts of his work.

He explained: “It’s a far cry from my usual kitchen, but the feeling you get handing out food to families and seeing their appreciation is priceless. These events stay with you.”

Sandy Park’s head chef Craig Beacham also played a key role behind the scenes, coordinating logistics and ensuring meals were hot, fresh and served without a hitch.

Alongside the food, children took part in rugby-themed games organised by the club’s academy team and posed for pictures with players.

One parent described the day as “something we’ll all remember. It wasn’t just a meal — it was community, it was kindness, and it made us feel like someone’s looking out for us. 

This was the third school event as part of the Exeter Chiefs Foundation’s Feeding the Community initiative, which launched in 2022.

Alongside its summer fun days, the charity has also funded festive food support for the past three years, helping to provide meals at Christmas for those who might otherwise go without.

More than 3,000 people have benefited from the seasonal campaign, delivered in partnership with Exeter Food Action, meaning the Foundation has comfortably surpassed the 6,000-meal milestone.

“It’s wonderful to think that so many people have enjoyed meals they might not usually be able to,” said Rowe.

Willowbrook headteacher Chris Greenhall said: “Seeing our school community come together in such a joyful way was truly inspiring. The smiles on our children’s faces and the warmth shared among families really made it a great occasion.

“We are incredibly thankful to the Exeter Chiefs Foundation for their generosity, and to everyone who gave their time and energy so selflessly. Their kindness and commitment made this event not only possible, but truly special.”