Once upon a time, a weary traveller arrived in a small village carrying nothing but an empty pot and a smooth stone in his pocket. The village, having fallen on hard times, was quiet and cautious. People kept to themselves, convinced they had nothing to spare.
The traveller sat in the middle of the town square, built a small fire, filled his pot with water, and dropped in the stone. Curious villagers peeked out from behind closed doors.
“What are you making?” one of them finally asked.
“Stone soup,” said the traveller with a smile. “It’s going to be delicious—though it would be even better with a carrot or two.”
Intrigued, the villager returned with a few carrots. Into the pot they went.
Another villager passed by. “Smells good,” she said.
“It is,” said the traveller. “Just needs a potato or maybe some herbs.”
Before long, she was back with both. Someone else brought onions. Another, a handful of beans. Then came celery, salt, garlic, and even a few lentils. One generous soul brought bread to share.
As the pot bubbled and the aroma spread, so did the spirit of generosity. The villagers, who thought they had nothing, had each contributed just a little—but together, they had created a hearty, nourishing soup.
That evening, everyone gathered around the pot. They shared the meal, their stories, and laughter. The village was no longer quiet or closed off—it had come alive with connection.
And the stone? It stayed in the pot as a reminder: When we each bring a little, we create a lot.
The Stone Soup is a traditional folktale that has appeared in many cultures around the world.
Introducing the Stone & Soul Kitchen: Nourishing Soup Lunches at Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre
There’s something powerful about a shared pot of soup—especially when it brings warmth, connection and community. This winter, Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre invites you to be part of the Stone & Soul Kitchen, our weekly Tuesday soup lunch gathering.
Inspired by the timeless tale of Stone Soup, the Stone & Soul Kitchen is all about making something meaningful from what we each have to offer. Led by our wonderful volunteer Elizabeth, each week features soul-warming soups made from fresh seasonal produce and served with generosity and heart.
Thanks to the kind support of Bakers Delight Daylesford, we’re also able to offer fresh bread with every meal—making the lunch even more nourishing.
What: Stone & Soul Kitchen – Tuesday Soup Lunches
When: Every Tuesday, 12pm–1.30pm
Where: Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre, 13 Camp Street, Daylesford
Cost: Free or gold coin donation
We welcome donations of produce—if you have garden surplus or spare fresh ingredients, drop-offs are appreciated on Mondays or Tuesday mornings.
Pull up a chair, share a story and nourish your soul—one bowl at a time.
For more information, contact the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre | info@dncentre.org.au | (03) 5348 3569 | www.dncentre.org.au
DNC Jokes of the Week (submitted by another anonymous reader!)
- When I lost the fingers on my right hand in a freak accident, I asked the doctor if I would still be able to write with it. He said, “Possibly, but I wouldn’t count on it.”
- I woke up this morning determined to drink less, eat right, and exercise. But that was four hours ago when I was younger and full of hope.
- Anyone who says their wedding was the best day of their life has clearly never had two candy bars fall down at once from a vending machine.
- We live in a time where intelligent people are silenced so that stupid people won’t be offended.
- The biggest joke on mankind is that computers have begun asking humans to prove they aren’t a robot.
- When a kid says “Daddy, I want mommy” that’s the kid version of “I’d like to speak to your supervisor.”
- It’s weird being the same age as old people.
- Just once, I want a username and password prompt to respond “CLOSE ENOUGH.”
- Last night the internet stopped working so I spent a few hours with my family. They seem like good people.
