Raising Money, One Forkful at a Time

Wimbledon, South West London. Undoubtedly, one first thinks of tennis, strawberries and cream, and well spent Summer afternoons. However, what some may not know of is the considerable charitable work that is undertaken around the area. One Church: St Mary’s is working on the frontline to help people less advantaged than they are. The Tuesday lunch scheme, first pioneered in 1990 was set up following the success of the St Mary’s Vicar’s wife’s special lent lunch. In these annual lunches, consisting of simple food such as bread and cheese, each attendee made a small contribution in the donation bowl and the money went to the Bishop’s Lent Appeal. The meal developed into something more frequent when participants asked to hold the lunches more regularly as they enjoyed them so much. 

Currently, the sequence of lunch is organised into three terms, Michaelmas, Lent and Summer and each member takes it in turns to host the lunch at their house. Each week draws around 20-30 members who gather every Tuesday (hence the name). Money is raised for various causes by the admittance fee of £4 per person. Each person brings food to share amongst the group which helps add to the community spirit that is clearly evident at the gatherings. It is undoubtedly a remarkable neighbourhood experience which brings old friends together and equally gives people the opportunity to forge new friendships.

 One member who has been going to the lunches since they started, Mrs Davis, said that you often see elderly women leaving the lunch walking hand in hand together. A clear testimony to the work that the lunches do in unifying the community. Even though the event is run by volounteers from St Mary’s Church, everyone who wishes to attend is welcome to do so. Mrs Davis said that she “particularly enjoys sitting next to people you don’t know” and the “frugality of the lunches”. The money raised from each lunch is donated to a nominated charity every term. Past charities have included the BIshop’s Lent Appeal, homeless groups (especially in the winter months) and the organisation After Adoption. The charity that they are currently supporting, Action Aid, works to improve the lives of many worldwide through education and other means to combat poverty and social injustice. What is clear is that these lunches are hugely important, not just for the members of the local community who attend but also for the people they help with the money donated. 

 

Megan Aeron-Thomas, Streatham and Clapham High School