St Tudy Luncheon Club 10th Anniversary Party.

The Luncheon Club originated from an idea given by Patricia Tanner to the Parochial Church Council in 1992 as a community project. From the modest numbers at the trial lunch it grew to such popularity that there are now fifty members and others on a waiting list. The ladies who voluntarily cook each month and run the Luncheon Club are: Pat Tanner, Tresa Kempthorne, Patricia Hodge, Mavis Kingdon, Jean Cousins, Jane Miller and Gilly Izzard. Also Bill Hodge kindly comes to do the washing up and to help with the heavier chores. The luncheons are eagerly anticipated by all the members and this regular social event is very much enjoyed. The two-course lunch with tea or coffee costs just £2.50 and has only increased by 25p since 1992! At Christmas a three-course festive meal is prepared which is subsidised from surplus funds, as is the annual Summer Outing. During 2001 some of the kitchen equipment in St Tudy Village Hall needed replacing. Funds were raised and generous donations were given by the Bodmin Lions, St Tudy W.I., St Tudy Hall Committee and the local Parish Council. As a result two new cookers with double ovens, a large ceramic hob, a stainless steel splash-back and a large extractor fan have been installed. The new equipment not only helps the Luncheon Club but provides superb facilities for other functions in the village hall. The 10th Anniversary Party which took place on 26th September was a very happy occasion and a great surprise to most of the members. When they entered the foyer they were greeted by a beautiful floral arrangement and a welcome poster.

                                      

 

Followed by a glass of sherry to wet their appetites.

A group photograph for publication in the Cornish Guardian was taken by David Stacey

These are the valiant workers who cook & serve the wonderful food and do all the washing up!

From left to right:-Bill Hodge ( chief washer-upper!) Mavis Kingdon, Gilly Izzard, Tresa Kempthorne, Pat Tanner (founder of the Luncheon Club) and Jean Cousins

 
On the menu for this special occasion was, melon as a starter (or fruit juice) breast of chicken wrapped in bacon with roast potatoes, carrots & peas and a wonderful fruit pavlova, followed by tea or coffee and a slice of anniversary cake.

 

Before the meal started, Rev. Margaret Millson gave thanks for the food and the club which is an opportunity for many of the older villagers to meet friends on the fourth Thursday of each month and enjoy good food at a very reasonable price, only £2.50 ( this price has risen by only 25p in 10 years!)
After the meal Rev. Raymond Wood read out a poem he had written especially for this occasion and then he and Ginny Harris jointly cut the cake.

Now is the time to give thanks, O Lord

For a decade of a 4-course meal.

It is served by the ladies who never get bored

And financially it's a very good deal!

 

It was started by Pat and Una, with others

But gradually included some younger mothers,

Who after they served as best as they're able

Are happy to join us and sit at our table.

 

The repast is magnificent, the company superb.

With happy, loud, noise it is hard to be heard.

But the one thing we all like is the pleasant way

Those gorgeous ladies, their hips they do sway.

 

In official apron pristinely white,

Forever we are grateful for their insight.

For without their hard labour, enjoy we could not

Such company, such food, such pleasure our lot

 

 We thank them for this excellent food

But wish it were less calorific.

Mentally it does us so much good,

But to our waistline it is simply horrific.

 

So we thank thee, Lord, for the Parish Review

That gave us so much as a tribute to you.

For ten glorious years, the luncheon was served

By lovely ladies to whom thanks are deserved.

 

So bless the cooks and all who serve us,

But from indigestion, Lord, preserve us.

 

This wonderful meal was a credit to those who work so hard for our community, thank you all, and long may the Luncheon Club continue!