Around 150 people enjoyed free food, drink, live music and lots of sunshine at the Deptford Big Lunch yesterday (June 3).
The public event, at Giffin Square, was hosted by the 999 Club, Bench Outreach and the Bear Church as a way of bringing the local community toget her and giving them a chance to get to know their neighbours better.
A barbecue, manned by volunteers from the Bear Church, ensured a steady supply of dozens of burgers, chicken and sausages, while residents and visitors to the area also enjoyed salads and desserts. Five acts performed live music throughout the afternoon in the square in front of Deptford Lounge library.
This was the first time the 999 Club has hosted a Big Lunch.
Tim Fallon, CEO of the charity, which runs a night shelter and drop-in centre for homeless people on Deptford Broadway, said:
“Many of our service users are sleeping rough on the street. Giffin Square is a free public space where they meet together throughout the year and feel relatively safe; they can’t afford the nearby cafes and restaurants. We wanted to organize this event for the community in Deptford, where everyone would feel welcome to come together and mingle with one another. It worked really well – everyone had a great time.”
Visual artist Andy Bannister was one of the many guests at the lunch.
Bannister, 50, who has lived in Deptford for 25 years, said he was on his way to his studio nearby when heard the music and wanted to discover what was happening.
He said: “It’s a wonderful idea, very generous. Everyone is being very patient waiting for their food and it’s a good atmosphere. Things like this are needed here now more than ever – it’s a nice counterpoint to the Deptford Market Yard, which is popular but expensive.”
Bear Church members Mark, Chine and six-month-old Keir McDonald also took part.
Mark McDonald said: “We wanted to get involved in the community. It is a really good chance to get to know our neighbours.”
The 999 Club is currently crowdfunding to raise £20,000 to open its first Summer night shelter this year. So far, more than £7,000of the target has been raised through the online site Crowdfunder - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/summershelter .
The 20-bed facility on Deptford Broadway will be one of only three night shelters open in London over the summer. The number of homeless people in Lewisham has risen rapidly in recent years and the summer months are a vulnerable time for rough sleepers when they face increased risks of violence and anti-social behaviour, as well as health concerns including dehydration and heat-related illnesses.
The Big Lunch is an annual event where people across the UK come together in the street to meet, make friends, share stories and jokes, sing, play instruments, dance and laugh for no reason other than it's a fun thing to do and something we do not do as often as we should. In 2017 some 9.3 million people took to their streets, gardens, and neighbourhoods to join in for a few hours of community, friendship and fun at over 90,000 events.