Thousands take part in Big Lunches across Devon

Thousands of people across Devon sat with their neighbours for the sixth annual Big Lunch yesterday (Sunday). They joined an estimated four million people across the UK.

The Big Lunch, which is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and led by the Eden Project, encourages people across the UK to have lunch with their neighbours once a year, for a few hours of community, friendship and fun. Organisers behind the initiative say that the simple act of chatting to neighbours can make a real difference in communities and can help tackle isolation.

In Tiverton, a Big Lunch organised by Halifax raised funds for the Twyford Spartans Ability Football Club.

Exeter University will also be taking part later in the week, with a Big Lunch organised by the Chaplaincy Team for the staff students and local residents.

Sir Tim Smit said: “Year after year, I never fail to be impressed by the sheer number of people who get involved and take the time to hold a Big Lunch in their community.  The Big Lunch is always a great success and the perfect excuse for people to get together.

"While on the surface, it’s a day of laughter, friendship and fun, if you look deeper than that, these get-togethers are having an enormously positive impact on communities. Big things come from Big Lunches and what they each have in common is they all start in the same way – with small talk.

“After six years, it’s amazing to see so many people taking our simple idea and really making it work wonders for their communities. We’ve heard so many inspiring stories already and know they’ll be plenty more to come.  Roll on The Big Lunch 2015…”

People can still take part in the celebrations and can organise a Big Lunch at a date that suits the community. Free packs including posters, invitations, an inspiration booklet and other resources to help organise a Big Lunch are available from www.thebiglunch.com   until the end of June 2014.