WHETHER lending a sympathetic ear to the people of Swindon in their hour of need or sharing the secret to a tangy honey glaze, the Samaritans’ mission to assist and support knows no bounds.

Again this Christmas, the charity will prove it can be as helpful behind the stove as it is on the other hand of the phone with Recipes & Reflections, a book of family recipes which have stood the test of time.

A godsend when bracing oneself to feed an army of ravenous relatives or horde of fussy children, the cookbook is intended to suit every budget, fancy and dietary requirements. Just take a peek at long list of vegetarian options.

“Ultimately the Samaritans are about listening and helping people – we offer unconditional support,” said Swindon listening volunteer Sian de Normann. “Whatever support our callers need they get even if it’s tips for Christmas meals or feeding the family up until Christmas.”

Recipes & Reflections is the brainchild of former volunteer Swindon and District Samaritans Heather, who created the volume to commemorate the group’s 40th anniversary back in 2007. It was updated five years later.

With chit-chat between calls turning to recipe ideas and possible food combinations, it seemed the ideal way to raise valuable funds to ensure the future of the charity in the borough.

“It was originally issued in 2007 to mark our 40th anniversary and then updated in 2012 to celebrate our 45th anniversary,” said Paul Bentley, Samaritans listening volunteer and trustee of the Swindon and district branch.

“The idea originally came about from a volunteer from Lechlade called Heather who has since sadly died. Volunteers were asked to submit their favourite recipes so we had a lot to choose from.

“A key aspect of the Samaritans service is that it is delivered by trained volunteers. Samaritan volunteers come from all walks of life and some really good friendships come about because you meet likeminded people on a regular basis when doing a duty.

“We naturally support each other and sometimes when the phones aren’t so busy conversation can turn to food and, often, recipe-swapping ensues. Heather thought that we should save them all for posterity –and raise a bit of money too by selling the books through our charity shop.”

As well as the list of appetizing concoctions, poems, reminders of the Samaritans mission statement and positive messages are scattered throughout the book, reassuring readers that help is always a phone call or meeting away at the Curtis Street branch.

“People ring us because they don’t have anyone else to talk to so it was important for us to incorporate this in the book,” explained Sian.

From feta cheese and onion soufflé, to spicy lamb, fish curry and even a dedicated drinks section including the intriguing Volunteer cocktail, the book counts 47 home-cooked favourites direct from Grandma’s kitchen.

It is divided into five categories: soups and starters, mains, puddings, cakes and biscuits and drinks.

Its simple step-by-step instructions also make it a fitting first cookbook for any student finally ready to leave their trusted microwave behind and take a stab at a real oven. “It’s about sharing unusual recipes that are tried and tested and work,” said the 54-year-old. “They are either old family recipes or recipes that people have picked up along the way. It’s not complicated and the recipes are utterly delicious. You could even give it to a student or a first-time cook.

“In this day and age where people are busy, they want to open a book, read the ingredients and get everything in the oven.

“That’s why we kept it simple. People like new ideas but they don’t want them to be complicated.

“There is also a lot of choice, if you’re on a budget or vegetarian. There is a recipe for every purse. It’s all about getting together, talking and sharing ideas and emotions over delicious food.”

Over the years some of the recipes have gathered legions of followers among the volunteers including the indulgent Swimming in Chocolate dessert.

As for Sian, she has been known to deploy the Recipes & Reflections artillery when trying to impress her guests. Just three weeks ago, she unleashed the book’s culinary magic at a dinner party with a menu of mustard, lemon, dill and prawn purses, spicy lamb, vegetarian tagine and ginger and gooseberry crunchie.

“Swimming in Chocolate got everybody’s seal of approval here. For people who love pudding, that’s always a good one. It’s a really good Sunday lunch pudding. It’s basically chocolate sponge with chocolate sauce and it’s truly delicious.

“You can make a really well balanced menu from anything you choose in that book. The recipes have a lot of colours which is important for presentation and look appetizing. All the recipes have been really well thought out.

“It’s all properly prepared food, that’s healthy looks good and is delicious too.”

Recipes & Reflections costs £2.95 and is available from the Samaritans’ charity shop at 6 Curtis Street.

To speak to one of the charity’s listening volunteers call 01793 537373.

For more information email jo@samaritans.org