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Moseley Chimes
January 2008
The work of St Anne’s Luncheon Club is in its 21st year (now coming up to its 22nd year) and was as a result of a group of members of St Anne’s congregation meeting to discuss the . Bishop’s “Live, Learn and Share” proposals for extending stewardship. And the idea of a luncheon club was most suitable for the parish and the helpers for the needs of the elderly and those living alone.
The organisation was made by a small committee, and it was decided to hold the club fortnightly on a Monday in the committee room in St Anne’s Parish Hall. Meals on Wheels in Amesbury Rd provided the main course and the sweets were provided by ladies of the parish. Being an immediate success it was possible to hold the club weekly and now in the main hall. Following generous offers of help it was decided to provide the main course as well as the sweets by one team.
With the closure of Centre 13 in 2004, the Luncheon Club was able to extend a warm welcome to those who used to meet in Centre 13 on School Rd. It was never the intention to make a profit, but with careful management it has been the result, and over the years the money has provided important equipment including a gas cooker, dishwasher, microwave, plate warmer, fridge, freezer, crockery, glasses and cutlery! Contributions have also been made towards lightweight tables and some kitchen units.
During the past 12 months, the club has provided a new metal serving trolley, a replacement telephone and the replacement of the old kitchen radiator. This not only benefits the Luncheon Club members, but also the wider community of Moseley, who also use the Parish Hall’s invaluable resources. This year the Club received a most generous donation of £ 1000 from the Moseley Round Table which has provided a much appreciated Cooker Hood, new Water Heater and extra items of cooking equipment. Since September 2004 the financial support of Birmingham City Council’s Adult and Community Service Third Sector grant facility has enabled the cost of the meal to remain at £3 per head and is most gratefully acknowledged by the Club Committee.
And so it continues. Every Monday a small volunteer team of coordinator, cook and helpers freshly prepare, cook and serve a two course meal with coffee and tea to about 30/35 members at 1:00 p.m. Since May 2007 on the second Monday of the month, a short service of Holy Communion is now available to members in the Parish Hall Committee Room prior to the lunch.
Over the past 21 years the Luncheon Club has provided an invaluable opportunity to bring together people from the local community for companionship and friendship. It has enabled the helpers’ team from St Anne’s and St Mary’s to get to know one another and to contribute to the Club’s ongoing success. If you are interested in helping even if it is only once a month we would be delighted to hear from you. To find out more please contact the Coordinator, Hilda Johnston or the Secretary, Julia Griffin. They can be reached on the Parish Hall number, (0121) 4490633 from 11:30 a.m. each Monday.
Help us ensure that the legacy of 1986 lives on.