Big Lunch provides community food for thought

More than 300 people headed along to Giffnock Community Council’s Big Lunch at the weekend, making the most successful year yet.
Giffnock councillors Vincent Waters, Gordon Wallace and Jim Fletcher join community councillor Savio at the Big Lunch.Giffnock councillors Vincent Waters, Gordon Wallace and Jim Fletcher join community councillor Savio at the Big Lunch.
Giffnock councillors Vincent Waters, Gordon Wallace and Jim Fletcher join community councillor Savio at the Big Lunch.

Invitations to the event — deisgned to bring residents together and strengthen local links — had been hand-delivered to over 5,000 homes by community councillors, and East Renfrewshire provost Alastair Carmichael and wife Elizabeth opened proceedings on Sunday afternoon.

Guests were treated to face painting, henna tattoos, and entertainment ranging from gaelic singing and performances on the flute, harp and violin to piper Alex Mitchell, who kicked off with Highland Cathedral.

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Giffnock CC chair Savio D’Souza spoke to neighbours interested in working with or for the group in the future.

He told The Extra that the event was about “tapping into local talent”, and added: “At a time of cutbacks and attention on what we won’t have, it’s a good opportunity to remind of what we do have, and take for granted, within our community.”

Secretary Jim Martin added: “The Community Council wishes to thank East Renfrewshire Council, community grants, The Extra and all the local businesses and supermarkets for being so generous in their food donations, as well as the entertainers who came and performed.

“Most importantly, we’d like to thank all the people who turned up and supported their community.

“We aim to build on the success of the day to bigger and better things.”