A lunch held to bring a rural community together has been hailed a success.
People from across the New Deer area turned out in their dozens to the Mustard Seed yesterday for the village’s Big Lunch event.
Aimed at tackling loneliness, particularly among the elderly who live in rural areas, the Big Lunch gave attendees the chance to chat over a free meal.
The national project for 2019 hopes that creating a better connected community can help curb isolation.
Community association member Tanita Addario spearheaded the New Deer event, and admitted she had initially been nervous about how many people would turn up.
However, she was delighted to see all the tables full – and more people waiting.
Mrs Addario said: “It has been so good and gone really well.
“We’ve had a steady flow of people and they all seem to be having a really good time.
“It’s such a feel-good event as people have been meeting others who live near them but they’ve never had a chance to get to know each other.
“So far it has been exactly what I had hoped for, we’ve six volunteers and many people having a chat which is great to see.”
There were also bags for people to take away with reusable plastic tubs, a water bottle and a treat as well as an eating information and advice book.
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Volunteers had also set up a table advising people about healthy eating choices.
But those enjoying the Big Lunch were treated to mostly locally-sourced soup and sandwiches followed by strawberries, homemade meringues and cream. Many of the items had been donated.
Ellen Massie, 94, brought a homemade pavlova with her as she was initially wary about a free lunch and wanted to give something back.
She said: “It has actually been very nice as I’ve had all of my neighbours sitting round me.
“I’ve managed to have a little chat with everyone.
“Today’s lunch has been very popular, and I think it could be great happening more often if people knew more about it.”
Lucy Mitchell grabbed the chance to meet new people having only recently moved to New Deer.
She said: “It’s been great as we’ve been able to get to know people we didn’t know before.
“It came at the right time for me to meet people.”
