Good Causes

Terry and Gina plan tea party with a twist

Organising a Big Lunch event or taking part in one with your neighbours is more important this year than ever before, according to Terry Thorpe.

Terry and her friend Ginette Berry, have staged a Big Lunch gathering in Westward Ho!, a coastal village in north Devon, every year since 2013. This year they have organised an afternoon tea in their street as part of a national event on 6-7th June that has been renamed The Big Virtual Lunch 2020, in recognition of the challenges imposed by social distancing.

Terry said, “This year it is more important than ever to acknowledge the importance of community. I don’t know how I would have got through the last few months without the close support of my neighbours. The Big Lunch is the coming together of the community and the celebration of the community.”

The afternoon tea in Pebble Close will see most of the 22 residents sitting in front of their properties and chatting while observing social distancing rules. Bunting will be hung from the houses and a pre-sliced lemon drizzle cake baked by a local cafe will be set on a table in a central position.

Terry said, “Several people in the Close are on their own so this is a way to check-in on them and make sure they’re OK.”

The idea of The Big Lunch was hatched at The Eden Project in 2009. Since then the National Lottery-funded event – held each year on the first weekend in June – has become a highlight of the British summer.

Thanks to National Lottery players The Big Virtual Lunch 2020 will bring communities together as usual this year albeit in somewhat different ways. From gatherings observing social distancing rules to tea parties held on Zoom and simple telephone conversations, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Thanks to National Lottery Players, millions of pounds is funding good causes across the country. Thank you for helping to support millions of acts of kindness.

To find out how you can get involved in The Big Virtual Lunch 2020 visit edenprojectcommunities.com.

1st June 2020

The National Lottery has been changing the lives of winners and supporting good causes across the UK since 1994. In that time, there have been more than 7,000 new millionaires created and by playing The National Lottery you raise over £4 million for Good Causes every dayΔ.

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