The Big Lunch a success for Chapel Allerton

The Big Lunch is a good excuse for a party

On Sunday 18 July 2010 the Big Lunch is inviting you to have lunch with your neighbours in streets, parks or gardens.

Last year's event saw almost a million people taking part around the UK.

It's a one-day get together with your neighbours. It can be anything from a simple lunch to a full-blown street party.

In Chapel Allerton a Big Lunch event in 2009 helped in the formation of a new community group.

Matt Tamplin was one of the organisers last year of a Big Lunch around Hawthorne Mount in Chapel Allerton.

"It was great, we had about 75 people turn up. We put a gazebo up and everybody brought their own food and drink.

Enjoyment

"We had local, live music from two people who lived in the street. So local in fact that the act plugged into his own house!"

Such was the success of that day it led to the formation of CARA an independent, non-profit making, social community group run by local residents.

The group works for the enjoyment and benefit of anyone who lives in, works in, or likes Chapel Allerton.

The group promotes the area and its events and has set up a discount scheme in the local shops.

Matt says of the discount, "Everybody wins, the individual gets good value, the businesses PR and it brings extra people into the area."

Lasting friendships

The Big Lunch can be as big as you want it to be

So what about the Big Lunch 2010, would Matt encourage other people to hold an event?

"Yes. I would recommend it, it's great fun. Some people have made lasting friendships from the event.

"It's a bit of a challenge but it is a good thing to get you talking to the neighbours and to meet people that you have passed every day in the street."

The Big Lunch