Screen star John Woodvine 'shocked' at rise in demand on visit to hometown food bank in South Shields

The English actor - most famous for his role as Dr J S Hirsch in 80s classic An American Werewolf in London - paid a visit to Hospitality and Hope’s Hampden Street Centre in South Shields on Saturday, November 16.

The 90-year-old has a film career spanning seven decades and more recently appeared in Netflix’s The Crown and Chris Ramsey’s TV series Hebburn.

John, who was born in Tyne Dock and grew up in the area, was reportedly keen to see how the region was coping in the face of austerity and arranged the visit with the charity’s patron David Chapman.

Accompanied by his actress wife Lynn Farleigh, John was welcomed by chief executive Paul Oliver, who gave them a tour of the food bank and soup kitchen and explained how they help improve the wellbeing of individuals.

The couple were also introduced to residents in the charity’s supported housing project and spent time at the Chai Coffee House on Laygate, a social enterprise which equips vulnerable people with skills for future employment.

“We were delighted to host John and his wife Lynn, who were visiting the area and took the time to come across and see the work of our charity, supporting homeless and vulnerable people within South Tyneside,” said Paul.

“John has a keen interest in the charity because of his connection to the area. He asked a lot of questions and showed genuine concern for what is happening. He was shocked at the rise in numbers of people accessing the food bank in particular.”

Hospitality and Hope report that the number of residents accessing their services has increased by 30% in the last year.

“John and Lynn were both concerned at the rise in numbers, but relieved that there are organisations like ourselves out there,” continued Paul.

“It was lovely to see that John was a very humble man, who was genuinely interested in the support that was being offered to residents in South Tyneside.”