The Eden Project started The Big Lunch in the belief that we, as a society, are better equipped to tackle the challenges that we face when we face them together. At no time has that been more apparent than during the last few months – the wettest winter on record according to the Met Office – where people and communities have come together to protect, help and support each other during the storms and floods.
Clik here to view.
Brighter skies ahead?
You may have heard the piece on Radio 4’s Today programme this morning about ordinary people (like you and me) who have taken unpaid leave to go and help flood victims on the Somerset Levels. The woman interviewed explained that although the help from professional organisations was needed and that they were grateful for it, “who do you rely on every day? It’s your neighbours”. There are other examples right across Britain where this is happening. It’s amazing and it just goes to show how important a sense of community and togetherness is and how awesome we human beings can be when we put our minds to it.
Here in Wales, as part of our PR launch, I’ve spent the past week meeting people who will be hosting a Big Lunch (or Cinio Mawr) this year to bring people together in their neighbourhood. People like Lucy and Eleri in Raglan, Boudicca in Cardiff and the team at Pedal Power in Wrexham who are holding their first ever Big Lunches this year; and others like Lis Duffy and Sian Roach that are building on last year’s success.
It’s also St David’s Day here in Wales this weekend, where we honour the patron saint of Wales and celebrate our wonderful culture, heritage and people. A quote attributed to St. David reads “be cheerful and keep your faith and belief”. That seems pretty apt for a lot of people at the moment, Welsh or not, so with the blue skies returning and spring on its way, let us all look forward to brighter skies and happy times.
Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus!
