Big Lunch comes to Hackney
Residents across Hackney’s estates have spent that last two weeks getting to know their neighbours through a series of fun days, community lunch events and BBQ cook-outs.
Hackney Homes offered up to £500 to local Tenant and Resident Associations (TRA) to host an event for their neighbours, as part of National Family Week, 25-29 May, Neighbours’ Day, 31 May and The Big Lunch, 7 June. These events celebrate families and encourage neighbours to come together to get to know each other in a fun and friendly setting.
Twenty-three Hackney Homes Tenant Resident Associations (TRA) and community groups received £11,500 between them and held a variety of fun activities to entertain younger and older residents.
Over 50 residents joined the Big Lunch summer party on Lordship North Estate to mark the day. Children enjoyed karaoke entertainment and had fun on the large bouncy castle supplied by the TRA, whilst adults sampled the variety of cakes on offer and took part in a charity fundraising raffle.
On Geffrye Estate residents enjoyed the play activities provided by their local active resident group, Stanway TRA.
Staway TRA Chair, Sharan Hibbert, said: "We have a strong supportive TRA here and we all came together to plan it and play our part to deliver the event today. We are giving something back to the residents. These events bring the community together to get to know each other."
Local resident, Bernaidine Thomas, said: "Today has been great. The food was yum, especially the watermelon. It's a really nice day and i've gotton to know a few more people on my estate."
Residents on Morland estate took a different approach to their Big Lunch celebrations, as well as providing a tasty lunch the TRA members officially opened a new estate community garden designed and created over the last few months, to spruce up their estate.
