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The Big Lunch 2021: Eight Reasons to celebrate community connections

The UK’s biggest annual get-together of neighbours, The Big Lunch takes place this weekend and it’s a great excuse to connect or reconnect with people who live in your street or area.

The Eden Project started The Big Lunch in 2009 to celebrate the power of communities. Since then, hundreds of Big Lunch events have taken place up and down the country.

If you’ve never heard of it before, don’t let the name fool you. A Big Lunch event:

  • Doesn’t have to be ‘big’. A little get-together with a handful of neighbours will suffice (and make sticking to pandemic guidelines easier).
  • Could involve a walk in the park, afternoon tea in the front garden or a Zoom chat (lunch doesn’t have to be on the menu).
  • Can take place whenever you want. The official date is the 5th & 6th of June but as June is the Month of Community, find a time and date that suits you.

Here are eight reasons why it’s nice to natter with your neighbours.

Combat Loneliness

Sadly, 7.2% of the adult population (that’s 3.7 million people) say they ‘often’ or ‘always’ feel lonely. Taking time to talk could really make someone’s day if they’re struggling.

You Could Learn Something 

Perhaps your neighbour is an expert gardener or a pro at puppy training. Get chatting and you might pick up some valuable tips.

Community Safety

Build up a rapport with your neighbours and they will keep an eye on your home when you’re away.

Local Campaigns

If there’s something you’d like to fix or improve in your local area, it will help to have back-up. Having strong local connections will make it easier to drum up support and bring about positive change.

Improve Communication

If you need to talk about tricky subject matters like loud music, a broken fence, or a party wall agreement, it’s easier if you’re already on speaking terms.

Convenience

There is, of course, that cliché about borrowing a cup of sugar, but you never know when you might need a helping hand at an awkward hour.

Local Recommendations

Looking for a good hairdresser, reliable plumber, or the lowdown on local schools? Ask a neighbour for advice or jump on a community led Facebook group.

Feed the Cat 

And even if you don’t have a cat, it’s handy to have a neighbour who can take in a delivery if you’re out or water the plants when you’re on holiday.

For more information about The Big Lunch and event ideas, visit http://bit.ly/thebiglunch2021

Why not make a picnic, grab a blanket or chair and head down to Priory Park in St Neots this Saturday? The Drunken Stallion is hosting their first event from 2pm until 6pm.

Like to talk? So do we! Get in touch with us here at Butler Residential.

Have a great weekend!

Barry & Laura
 
Copyright Butler Residential

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