Something for all appetites

Friday 23rd July 2010

As part of the Eden Project’s ‘Big Lunch’ campaign to encourage neighbourhoods throughout the country to enjoy lunch and activities together, Radian led two partnerships to provide highly successful events at Weston Shore, Hampshire and Amesbury, Wiltshire on Sunday 18th July.

Over three hundred people brought along a picnic and blanket and enjoyed a tempting spread of activities at both events ranging from magical entertainment, arts and crafts and face painting, to garden games, ice creams and a variety of stalls.

The Big Lunch at Amesbury proved the ideal venue for the Amesbury Town Neighbourhood Policing Team to launch a project called the ‘Strike Team’. A good number of young, enthusiastic people were recruited to help the ‘Strike Team’ and will work alongside the police to improve the lives of those less able within Amesbury, as well as the areas in which they live.

Guests at the Big Lunch at Weston Shore, who included Cllr Carol Cunio, Mayor of Southampton, were treated to soothing jazz provided for free by Frayed Knot. Children were able to hone their footballing skills using the expertise of two coaches from Eastleigh Football Club.

As well as providing family entertainment, most of which was free, the events offered the opportunity for residents to meet their neighbours and to find out about the activities offered in their locality, as well as to receive details on housing schemes, safety issues and environmental advice.

Commenting on the success of the Amesbury Big Lunch, Jade Missen – Community Development Officer at Radian said: “We’re thrilled that so many residents enjoyed the array of activities on offer. We’d like to work again with our partners and residents to provide an even bigger and better event next year”.

Summarising the aim of the Big Lunch at Weston Shore, Giv Thornton – Community Development Officer, said: “One resident told me that taking part in the Lunch made her feel she belonged to a real community. That’s exactly what this event is all about”.

The Big Lunch at Amesbury was led by Radian in partnership with Amesbury Town Council, Archers Gate Residents’ Association, Woodford Valley Parish and Amesbury town policing team, as well as local resident volunteers. Special thanks go to the Reverend Joanna Naish, Helen Morrison - Amesbury Deputy Town Clerk and Councillor Jan Ferraro.

The Big Lunch at Weston Shore was led by Swaythling Housing Society, who is part of Radian, in partnership with Southampton City Council Communities Team, Raglan Housing Association, Hampshire Fire Brigade and the local Police.

For more information about other community events, please contact Community Development Officers: Giv Thornton on 02380 628169 or Jade Missen on 02380 628170.

Posted by Kim for Radian Group Ltd.