‘Be Prepared’ for The Big Lunch says the Scout Association

The Scouts have joined councils, community groups, membership organisations, and charities across Northern Ireland including Volunteer Now, Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations, PTA NI, Pretty n Pink and many more to pledge their support for The Big Lunch, on Sunday 3 June 2012.

The Big Lunch is a very simple idea from the Eden Project. It is funded by The Big Lottery and partnered by MasterCard, Kingsmill and EDF Energy. The aim is to get as many people in the UK as possible to have lunch with their neighbours for a few hours of community, friendship and fun.

Grainne McCloskey, local Big Lunch representative said; “We were delighted with the response from the Northern Ireland public last year, and hope 2012 will be the biggest Big Lunch ever.

“We have many reasons to get together in our communities this June, and with the Olympic torch, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and Volunteering Week all happening around the same time, The Big Lunch is perfectly timed for communities to have fun with the people they live nearest.

“It’s really easy to get involved, just visit the Big Lunch website to get a free pack to help you organise your event. From tea and cakes with your neighbours to street parties and community BBQs, The Big Lunch, can be whatever you wish. No matter what you do, the outcome remains the same; starting good local conversations and building stronger, more sustainable communities in a fun, inclusive way,” she said.

Scout Association chief executive Derek Twine CBE commented: “The Scouts are excited about taking part in The Big Lunch. It’s a great way for the fun of Scouting to be shared with a wider audience, and for our young people and the volunteers who work with them to play a really active part in their local communities throughout the UK.”

Later this year, Cultra Folk and Transport Museum will host the Northern Ireland ‘Cool to be a Cub’ annual event where than 800 Cubs and 250 leaders will sit down to a Big Lunch.