Rochdale hosts really big ‘Big Lunch’

The Johnson family at the big lunch, Kirkholt

They may be officially labelled as some of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the country but residents living on the Falinge, Freehold and Kirkholt estates in Rochdale also enjoy another distinction – that of having the strongest community spirit.

This week has been designated national Big Lunch week, a time when local populations gather together to meet their neighbours and get to know who lives next door, across the road or around the corner.

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) in conjunction with partner agencies has organised Big Lunches around Rochdale.

Nicky Morris Priority Areas Manager for RBH said: “Our residents living in these particular areas have really embraced the vision of the day. Last year The Big Lunch was a great success and this year will be even better with residents travelling between estates to share their events.

“These are not only some of the most deprived wards in the UK but are also some of the most diverse, comprised of people from over 40 nations, speaking over 30 languages.

“We think it’s brilliant they are holding some of the biggest Big Lunches in the North West and their community spirit should be something the rest of us aspire to.”

Three separate events have been organised for this week with the final one taking place on Saturday (24 July 2010).

Gareth Swarbrick, RBH’s Chief Executive adds: “We are really proud of everyone who will be helping to make The Big Lunch in Rochdale a massive event that people will remember for the rest of the year.”