Forget-Me-Not Lunch Club: Nourishing Bodies and Souls for Six Decades
In the heart of Gaywood, a heartwarming tradition continues as the Forget-Me-Not Over 60s Lunch Club enters a new chapter under fresh leadership. For almost 60 years, this beloved community institution has been more than just a place to enjoy a meal—it has been a sanctuary of friendship and connection for local senior citizens. Now, with solicitor Rebecca Burridge taking the volunteer helm, the club is poised for revitalization while maintaining its essential mission of combating loneliness and fostering community bonds among older residents. Operating under the auspices of St Faith’s Church Gaywood LEP and hosted in the Gaywood Church Rooms, the club represents a beautiful partnership between faith and community service that has stood the test of time.
Mrs. Burridge brings enthusiasm and vision to her new role, recognizing the profound social impact these weekly gatherings have on attendees’ lives. “For some people coming to the club’s weekly lunch gets them out of the house offering them the chance to meet new friends,” she explains, highlighting how these seemingly simple meals create vital lifelines for seniors who might otherwise remain isolated at home. The club serves hearty two-course meals in an atmosphere designed for conversation and connection. However, Mrs. Burridge also acknowledges current challenges, noting that “We need more new members to ensure the Club is viable and to keep down the food costs.” Her practical approach combines a heartfelt understanding of the club’s emotional significance with the pragmatic considerations necessary for its sustainability.
Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of long-serving volunteers forms the backbone of the Forget-Me-Not Lunch Club. These faithful helpers take on multiple roles—serving meals, washing dishes, cleaning up afterward, and perhaps most importantly, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for every diner. Their commitment extends beyond mere food service; they cultivate an environment where friendships blossom and community thrives. “The small team of volunteer helpers play an important role in ensuring everyone has an enjoyable time over lunch,” Mrs. Burridge acknowledges, recognizing how their consistent presence and caring attention transform a simple meal into a meaningful social event. These volunteers represent the often-unsung heroes whose reliability and warmth have sustained the club through the decades.
The club’s rich history spans nearly six decades, with numerous community leaders leaving their mark on its development. Figures like Connie Kenyon, Elaine Price-Jones, Lesley Harrison, Ken Robinson, and Angela Roseblade have shaped the club’s character and ensured its continuity through changing times and circumstances. Their legacy lives on in the club’s enduring presence in the community and its unwavering commitment to serving seniors. With the appointment of Rebecca Burridge, a new name joins this distinguished roster of leaders who have recognized the profound importance of creating spaces where older adults can gather, connect, and feel valued. The transition to new leadership represents not a break from tradition but rather its continuation and evolution as the club approaches its remarkable 60th anniversary in 2026.
St. Faith’s Rector, Rev Kyla Sørensen, expresses delight at the club’s revival under new leadership, noting the positive response from regular attendees. “Speaking with our regular diners, I know that they are happy too,” she shares, underscoring how the club fulfills both practical and emotional needs for its members. Her perspective highlights the dual nature of the lunch club—it provides essential nutrition while also nourishing social connections and spiritual well-being. Rev Sørensen further emphasizes the club’s significance within the broader context of the church’s mission: “The lunch club has been an important part of St. Faith’s church’s mission for nearly sixty years. What a shining example of church working with community.” This sentiment captures the beautiful synthesis of faith-based service and practical community support that the Forget-Me-Not Lunch Club exemplifies.
As the club approaches its diamond anniversary, its story illustrates the profound impact that seemingly small community initiatives can have over time. For nearly six decades, the Forget-Me-Not Over 60s Lunch Club has woven itself into the fabric of Gaywood’s community life, creating a tapestry of shared meals, conversations, laughter, and friendship. Under Rebecca Burridge’s leadership and with Rev Sørensen’s blessing, the club now looks toward the future with renewed purpose and energy. “I am confident that under new management it will continue to flourish again as a place of welcome,” affirms Rev Sørensen. In a world where social isolation among seniors remains a pressing concern, the Forget-Me-Not Lunch Club stands as a beacon of hope and a model for how communities can care for their older members—one meal, one conversation, one friendship at a time.
