Let’s do lunch!

THE Big Lunch roadshow stopped in Ballymena’s Fairhill Shopping Centre recently with renowned storyteller Steve Lally entertaining young shoppers while their parents learned more about the community campaign.

The Big Lunch is a very simple idea from the Eden Project.

Funded by The Big Lottery and partnered by MasterCard, Kingsmill and EDF Energy, it aims to get as many people in the UK as possible to have lunch with their neighbours for a few hours of community, friendship and fun.

Grainne McCloskey, local Big Lunch representative said; “We were delighted with the response from the Northern Ireland public last year, and hope 2012 will be the biggest Big Lunch ever.

“There are many reasons for people in Ballymena to get together this June. The Olympic torch, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and Volunteering Week are all happening around the same time, so The Big Lunch is perfectly timed for communities to have fun with the people they live nearest.

“It’s really easy to get involved, just visit the Big Lunch website to get a free pack to help you organise your event. From tea and cakes with your neighbours to street parties and community BBQs, The Big Lunch, can be whatever you wish. No matter what you do, the outcome remains the same; starting good local conversations and building stronger, more sustainable communities in a fun, inclusive way,” she said.

Joanne McDowell, Big Lottery Fund NI Director, added: “The Big Lunch is firmly establishing itself in Northern Ireland as a great way for communities and neighbourhoods to come together in the simple act of sharing a meal. 

“The Big Lottery Fund is encouraging charities, volunteer organisations and community groups across Northern Ireland to run Big Lunches in their communities that will bring local people together. The good conversations started at Big Lunches can lead to stronger neighbourhood networks and motivate people to take more of an active role in their communities.”

You can get a free Big Lunch organisers pack at www.thebiglunch.com