Lunch group is aiming to widen circle of friends
ANEW lunch club aimed at bringing older residents together is due to launch next month in Smallbridge.
HMR Circle, which provides support and activities for older residents in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, will open the new club in Smallbridge at the Branches Christian Fellowship, 1 Wesley Street.
One of a number of clubs around the borough, the first lunch at the new club will take place on Thursday, December 1 with a menu of gammon slice with pineapple, New potatoes, mixed veg and cheesecake all for just £4.50.
Circle director Mark Wynn said it took a while to find a setting for the new club and were put in touch with the Branches Christian Fellowship by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing.
He said: “We’re keen to have more lunch clubs and activities going on around the borough and sometimes it’s just an issue of venue.
“It took a while because you’ve got to do the things in the background before you put an activity on and make sure we’ve got cooking staff and staff to put on the event.
“Fingers crossed people will come along.”
The new lunch club will also have a full Christmas dinner with all the trimmings on December 15 before returning on January 5 after the festive period with a lunch of pasta bolognese.
Mark added that the aim of the clubs is to encourage social interaction.
“It’s just about new and old friends having a nice lunch,” he said.
“We’re keen that the food we produce is of good quality and is attractive.
“We also aim to keep it as affordable as possible, it’s two courses for £4.50 with tea and coffee.
“Social interaction when you’re eating is a great way to break down barriers and social isolation and loneliness.
“It’s just to have a good time and have fun.
“Also if you’re having a hot lunch you’re not having to put your cooker or heating on, you can come out for a good couple of hours and get a hearty meal.”
Throughout winter Mark said that Circle will be participating in the council’s ‘warm spaces’ initiative by opening some of their venues for residents to keep warm and save money on their fuel bills.
He also said that the new club in Smallbridge will have an in-person quiz take place after lunch.
“Our online quiz on a Monday has remained incredibly popular with 40 to 50 teams,” said Mark.
“There is a demand for quizzing so this was an easy fit to have a bit of fun at the end.”