Vange joins The Big Lunch celebrations

On Sunday, more than 60 people from across Vange joined The Big Lunch celebrations at Trinity Church Hall, with a fun packed afternoon for all the family. The event was organised by South Anglia Housing, part of leading affordable housing provider Circle Anglia, in partnership with Trinity Church and the local Police (PCSO).

During the sunny afternoon the festive crowd got to know each other better over a delicious free buffet. The crowd took part in an array of activities including face painting, a giant Connect Four game, dancing and even learned how to pot a plant for their windowsills. Many visitors also took the opportunity to speak to a team of experts about improving their health and wellbeing and went for a quick health check.

Resident Katrina S. said: “A well organised day with lots to do in a warm friendly inviting atmosphere. A great community day bringing all ages together. The information stands are a good idea to give parents access to services they might not know about, plus it breaks down barriers too with the Police and the Church.”

Another resident, Lisa C., added: “I think this is an excellent idea, we got to meet up with people that we knew as well as new neighbours. My kids have really enjoyed it and everyone was really friendly and helpful.”

South Anglia Housing is participating in The Big Lunch project as part of its mission to enhance the Life Chances of residents and make a positive difference to the local community. The Big Lunch project aims to build and strengthen communities by encouraging as many of the 61 million people in the UK as possible to sit down and have lunch together, with their neighbours, in their street, as a simple but profound act of community.

Deacon Debbie Trinity from the Methodist Church said: “An amazing first for South Anglia and other professionals as we did engage in a real sense of Community which unfortunately seems to be disappearing from communities today. It was great to see such a mixture of age and culture engaging together be that on the grass dancing to the music provided by Gateway FM or simply chatting and getting to know each other better. A wonderful opportunity to break down barriers and misconceptions that cause such conflict in community today. Well done to all who helped and to those who came along on the day. An amazing time full of fun and laughter.”

Vivien Dewey, Community Development Officer for South Anglia Housing, added: “It’s been a really fun day, with neighbours getting to know each other, playing all sorts of games and even dancing and singing together. Everyone had a good time and got along really well. We hope the event will help our work to strengthen communities. A massive thanks to everyone who supported the event by giving a donation towards the food.”

For further information please contact Maike Riedel at the Circle Anglia press office on 0845 234 0824 or email pressoffice@circleanglia.org.

Last modified 23/07/10