Question :-  What is "The Big Lunch?"

 

The Big Lunch was dreamed up by Tim Smit and Paul Twivy of the Eden Project in Cornwall. Eden is all about projects, and believes in experiments that live, eat, breathe ~ and with luck, thrive, so making it a true celebration of life. Most of us are shy, many of us lead single lives and even when we are together, often go our own way.

 

We all know about the problems in our society and don't need to be preached at about them. But inside almost everyone there is a notion that despite our differences, the ties that bind us are important.  The shared enjoyment of eating together, laughter, play, music and conversation bring us together.

Even though the fact that we are so varied and different in our outlook and experience on many things, we all know a simple truth - together we are strong.   Eden Project Chief Executive Tim Smit said "The greatest things in life are simple ~ and great memories are usually made of things we do ourselves. So, our aim was for people to get out on their street, raise a glass and share a bite with their neighbours - that, in a nutshell, is "The Big Lunch."

Our own Big Lunch kicked off at 12.30pm, Apparently there had been some discussion amongst the organizors as to whether it should be outdoors or in, But an appropriately timed summer shower had made the desicion for them and, with the exception of Raymond's BBQ, it all went ahead with-in the Village Hall.

An Array of competitions, some local entertainment, and plenty to eat and drink was all part and parcel of East Garston's big lunch.  There were prizes for amongst other things, vegetable schulptures and for best Victoria Sponge Cake, with different age groups invited to submit their individual entries.

Raymond Baker was kept busy at the BBQ supplying a seemingly never ending stream of appreciative customers. As the weather relented, many were able to sit outside on the new patio enjoying a drink or two from the Social Club bar.

Ed James, Dawn Tonge and Penny Locke set about uniting the various catagory winners with their certificates and prizes.

An attentive audience enjoy the reactions from todays prize winners..

A week or two prior to today's event, a questionaire regarding the village Parish Plan had been circulated to every household, with the promise that all returned forms would be entered into a prize draw. Martyn Wright, Parish Plan Committee chairman, ably assisted by Henry Prictoe drew the three winners from what Martyn explained, was a 70% return of all dispatched questionaires. An impressive result by any standards

Jessica offers slices of Victoria Sponge cake to one and all ~ and Grace finds the offer far too tempting to refuse. (Above right) ~ one of our very young residents double checks the raffle tickets.

Towards the end of the afternoon four of our talented youngsters were given the chance to show what they could do musically. Toby and Adam Quinn played Skating duet on the accordian, after which, Adam played a solo entitled Happy Waltz.

Next up were guitarist Johnnie McGregor and drummer, George Rabbitts. These two lads are part of a group called "Sainted Rockers" and they play covers of songs by Nirvanna, The Kinks and other New Wave bands.

Sunday 19th July saw an estimated two million people around the UK stop traffic for a few hours as neighbours sat down in their streets with neighbours to share a Big Lunch. Undeterred by the vagaries of the British summertime, people turned out to celebrate all that is best about their local communities in the biggest collection of open-air parties since the Golden Jubilee.

 

East Garston was part of this national event, our Big Lunch being organised by Penny Locke.  Ray’s BBQ proceeds went to the social club, with the bar enjoying it's best takings ever for a Sunday lunchtime.  The shop made nearly £150 between the raffle, competition entries and the donations for food. Last but by no means least, Thanks to Ray Baker for his BBQ-ing skills and to Matt Green-Armytage at the Queen’s Arms Hotel for donating gooseberry tarts, brownies and fudge!

 

Photos : Ken Tarbox