Judy Williams, chair of The St Nicholas Court Residence Association in Swansea, held their first Big Lunch last June to celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee. Here she shares her top ten tips for getting your Big Lunch off the ground:
“Our Big Lunch was a huge success with over 70 people attending; including friends, neighbours and their families. It was held in the Vivian Hall, Blackpill, Swansea, and we had a banquet with music, dancing and lots of fun. Neighbours became friends and we formed a very special community. We are a completely different neighbourhood since then – one big happy family who look after each other!
I feel very proud that not only myself but all our committee have achieved so much in 18 months, it has changed my life and everyone feels much happier”
Judy’s Top Tips:
- Simply knocking on doors and asking is a good way to start; we were surprised at the good response
- When the weather was bad, we used a local community centre- keep going and never give up, there is always an indoor
- venue to be used – even a neighbour’s house!
- We found it very important to get a group together and have a coffee morning to plan ahead
- One of the first things we looked into was if we need insurance or to close the road – just in case
- Residents that could not attend were given food at home so they felt included in the party
- Our residents were keen to organise music, dancing, quizzes and games – anything to get people active
- We got plenty of help from everyone involved and
- Decoration adds that special sparkle – flags, bunting, table cloths are a cheap and easy to pull together
- We gave all left over food to the homeless in the local community
- Do not be afraid to have a go, it is well worth it!
