THERE was the buzz of friendly chatter at The Cornerstone on Friday, as members of The Friday Lunch Club were about to be served a roast dinner.
The club, a project organised by All Saints Church, Wokingham, in the Norreys district of the town, aims to bring people together for friendship and company.
All Saints is keen to look outwards, and is particularly aware of the need to bring people together who might otherwise feel isolated.
Its Friday Lunch Club for over 60s is organised by Judi Arnold.
“We started the club in 2017,” she said.
“People were talking about loneliness and isolation in the borough, and we knew we needed to do something about it.
“So Jean, who usually cooks for us, and I set up the lunch meetings.”
As smiling volunteers delivered roast chicken with all the trimmings to each of the 30 or so diners, she continued.
“We’re once again building up our volunteer and lunch club member numbers following the pandemic,” she said.
“At the moment we’re able to hold monthly lunches, but if we could get more volunteers, we’d love to move to fortnightly, or even weekly events.”
Regular visitor Jo Thomason, said: “I do enjoy the meals, and there’s a good variety.
“I come with a friend – we enjoy each other’s company.
“I live alone, so it makes a nice change for me to come here and spend time with the group.”
Ruth Payne agreed.
“The food is super,” she said.
Because Christmas is a busy time, Friday Lunch Club holds its special festive lunch when things are quieter, in the new year.
This year they’ll be holding it in early February – it’s something for members to look forward to during what can be a cold and dark month.
“We put on a proper Christmas dinner,” said Judi, with turkey, ham, stuffing, and of course, Christmas pudding.
“The hall is decorated to make it a special event, and there’s a raffle and presents.
“Next month though, with Jean away, I’ll be cooking sausages and mash with onion gravy.”
If the roast chicken dinner and apple pie dessert are anything to go by, November diners are in for another treat.
But as well as serving tasty meals, Friday Lunch Club is also a place where people can meet and make friends.
Volunteer Sue James said: “People who come alone can feel a bit unsure if they don’t know anyone, but I love to start a conversation and introduce them to others.
“Before you know it they’ve started to chat with people and make their own friends.
“There’s a table of five here who started in that way.
“Now they always come here for lunch – and they go other places together too – it’s a really strong friendship group.
“This is the sort of thing that is encouraged by these kinds of events, and it’s lovely to see that happen.
“You don’t need to be a member of the church to join us, just come along.”
Anyone over 60 in the borough who would like some company is welcome at the lunch club.
Meals cost just £4, payable on the day.
Lunch is provided on the first Friday of every month, at The Cornerstone, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham, at 12.30pm.
The next two events are on Friday, December 6, and Friday, January 3, followed by their Christmas lunch, which this year will be on Friday, February 7.
The Christmas lunch needs to be booked ahead and requires a £5 deposit, with a further £4 payable on the day.
To join the group, call Judi, on: 07766 903159, or just turn up on the day.
And the organisers would love to hear from anyone interested in volunteering, on: 0118 979 2797
For more information, visit: allsaintswokingham.org.uk
