Real Ladies Do Lunch!

In 2007 a few of us Groombridge mums were asked if we would be prepared to take over the running of a monthly lunch club for some of the older residents of the village. We all felt it was time that we put something back into our local community and cooking a nice meal seemed to be the ideal way to contribute. The lunch club is for those residents living on their own who perhaps don't have the opportunity to sit down to a sociable meal with others. The previous lunch club organiser had retired after 17 years of service, so it would be a hard act to follow!

Our first lunch was very daunting, as we didn't know many of the lunchers, but we managed to provide a large roast dinner and pudding and didn't poison anybody! The people who came were so grateful that we had taken over; it amazed us that our food and time could provide so much pleasure. It was obvious that many of them never sat down with company and the food was clearly secondary to the conversation.

We soon discovered between chopping, cooking, serving and washing up that our diners are such an interesting group of people. Many have lived in the village for years and some of them for all their lives. The stories are fascinating and, as our oldest lady is well over 100, she can provide us with a history lesson in village life. There is obviously a vast knowledge among them which will be lost in years to come.

The interest in each other works both ways. Lots of questions are asked about raising our children in today's world and we discover many similarities with past times. One of us has recently had a baby and of course the ladies take great delight in having a cuddle! Living in a community like ours provides the warmth and security which sometimes seems lacking in modern society.

It has now been over a year since taking over the running of the lunch club and it has been such a rewarding experience. We have lots of fun in the kitchen at our village hall and it is always lovely to see so many people enjoying a meal together. Who knows, maybe in 17 years we'll be passing the mantle to another group of willing volunteers!

If you are interested in starting a similar club in your community we would be happy to have a chat. Please call Siriol on 01892 863536 Article written for Spring 2009 issue by Siriol Powney