CAPTION: The Bickington Hot Soup and Pud Lunch Club has helped raise £2000 for church repairs and local charities.
Bickington Lunch Club Brings Community Together with Hot Food and Puddings
A team of volunteers in the Devon village of Bickington are running a monthly ‘Soup and Pud Lunch Club’ at the village hall as a way of bringing the community together and raising money for the church and local charities.
The menu includes warming soups, hearty mains, puddings and hot drinks.
Once a month, Bickington Village Hall opens it’s doors and brings the community together with a feast of delicious food.
The Lunch Club, which launched in September 2022, was the vision of Michael Hext. Michael wanted to build a warm and relaxed atmosphere and to bring the local community together, whilst providing affordable and delicious meals.
The meals have no set price, and diners pay what they can.
The Lunch Club runs once a month and serves a feast of delicious foods to the local community.
Michael is thankful for the volunteers who help make the Lunch Club possible. He said, “Many people have been generous with their time too, helping with essential things like serving and washing up.
“We’d especially like to thank Isobel, Sarah, Connie and Roger (who are both 90!). They’ve helped ensure that everyone enjoys it and we are most grateful for their support.”
Word has spread around about the lunch club, with people travelling from as far as Bovey Tracey and Dartmoor to attend.
Michael Hext said, “Everyone is welcome, even if you don’t live in Bickington. We are so pleased that our lunches reach out not only to church goers, but to the whole community.”
As well as serving a variety of delicious food, the club also has started a raffle.
St Mary the Virgin Church, Bickington
All proceeds raised from the lunch club and raffle are divided each month between St Mary’s Repair Fund, and one other charity. Beneficiaries so far have included Rowcroft, the Poppy Appeal, Barn Owel Trust and ELM Wildlife Hedgehog Rescue.
To date, £2000 has been raised.
Rt Revd Mark Rylands, Ashburton and Moorland Team Rector, said: “It’s lovely to see Michael’s community mindedness and can-do attitude making such a difference.”
John and Stella, residents of Bickington, praised the Lunch Club. “The food is amazing, with a great atmosphere and raising such a lot of money for the church and local charities.”
Plans to further develop the Lunch Club are brewing. Michael said, “We are starting a twice-yearly craft and vintage fair starting on Easter Eve, which we hope will be great fun for the community!”
The next Community Soup and Pud Lunch Club will be held on Saturday 11 February, from 12-2pm at Bickington Village Hall, TQ12 6JX. For further information or to book, please contact Michael Hext at 01626 821870.
To keep up to date with the Community Soup and Pud Lunch Club, please see their Facebook page or website.
