The Lewis school Lunch Club were finally able to meet at the end of this November. Entering into the festive mood, they met in the excellent venue of Llancaiach Fawr. Having been on hold due to funding shortages and then the pandemic, the relaunch was made possible by a subsidy provided by the National Lottery Community fund and the energy of the Caerphilly over 50 forum members Mike Oliver and Eileen Swithin.
As well as an excellent Christmas lunch, the participants were entertained by CJ Clinton (an old boy of Lewis school) with his Elvis Tribute Act. C J is keen supporter of Caerphilly over 50 and this performance follows his successful and well received summer tour of Caerphilly Care Homes.
It was about 12 years ago that the Lunch Club started in Lewis School, Pengam (where Mike Oliver was the Assistant Head Teacher) after receiving @CCBC Community Cohesion and 50+ Positive Action funding. As costs rose and funding subsided, Mike applied to The National Lottery Community fund for a grant and was successful. Unfortunately, COVID the reared its ugly head and the lunch club had to stop due to the restrictions introduced.
However, as covid-19 rules were eased towards the end of 2021, it became clear that Welsh Government rules would permit Lunch Club participants to associate in a restaurant rather than the school. Where better that Llancaiach Fawr. Mike approached the manager and was able to secure a deal that enabled Caerphilly Over 50, with agreement from the National Lottery, to subsidise the lunches.
The next challenge was to set about locating the former members of the Lunch Club. Eileen Swithin rose to the challenge and was in the end able to get over 50 people to attend the festive meal!
Caerphilly Over 50 forum would like to take this opportunity to formally thank Llancaiach Fawr, their staff, Mike , Eileen and the National Lottery Community Fund for their help and support in this endeavour!!!
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Till then stay safe, warm and connected!
