Big Lunch events bring neighbours together

Southside and East Ren residents and businesses are really getting behind the ethos of the annual Big Lunch.

This year’s Giffnock Big Lunch was held at Eastwood Court care home which is celebrating it 25th anniversary. Local families, eateries, restaurants and hotels supplied various dishes.

“This is the fourth year of a local event linking with national the Big Lunch event across the UK, attracting up to six million people.

“The idea is about bringing local people together to communicate, share and work together to build stronger, resilient communities” says organiser Savio D’Souza. “The reality is that, if there is a power cut, you only have your neighbours for support and help.”

“I would like to thank local people, businesses and the local council for their support enabling the day to be such a success year on year.”

Kevin Murphy, activity co-ordinator at Eastwood Court added: “As a result of the Big Lunch, we are able to link up with a local music project helping people with dementia have fun with percussion instruments.”

Last week, singer and presenter Michelle McManus, who lives in Shawlands, joined neighbours for a lunch.

She said: “I really believe in the b enefits of being part of a strong community.”

And organiser Lesley Anne from Cathcart, said: “It may only be one day a year but it does make a difference.”

The annual event centres on the premise of oldfashioined neighbourliness, whereby people support each other, look out for each other and are at least on first name terms with their neighbours.

And that we can rely on our neighours in times of need.

These community get-togethers can be funded by The Big Lottery Fund and are supported by Halifax bank and and by the ASDA supermarket chain.