The 4th annual Lunch with the Pope!

June 15, 2012

Author: Tony Pope Road

This year Lunch with the Pope celebrated its 4^th Big Lunch – with our Big Jubilee Lunch Street party taking place in Pope Road, Bromley, Kent on Sunday 3^rd June 2012.

In the run up to the day and on the day itself the weather was a real concern but with Pope Road spirit we fought off drizzle, cloudy weather and torrential rain to deliver a BIG LUNCH to remember. In fact the weather increased resident involvement as people joined together to build marquees, decorate the street, set up activities, help each other with jobs, offer a hand etc. Children and adults worked together to create the environment for a fabulous street party ensuring we had a day to remember (albeit a bit wet!!)

This year we were lucky enough to receive a small grant from Awards For All, the Lottery grants scheme, which enabled us to buy some items that we can keep for future Big Lunches as well as extra bits and pieces such as face painting sets, crown making activities and other activities for kids and Big Kids alike.

Much of the day had no financial cost to it as it is about the neighbours meeting, connecting, children being allowed to play and use their road as they wish, sharing food and making memories.

This year the scooter reigned supreme with many children scooting up and down the road without a care in the world. Many of the children ran their own entertainment – providing free face painting and transfer tattoos to their friends. It just shows that anyone can contribute to the day successfully.

An organised balloon release (with each balloon having a house number attached) took place in the afternoon.

As always the raffle provided much excitement with local businesses supplying prizes for the eager punters. Amid the raffle a torrential downpour occurred but after sheltering under the Gazebo Shanty Town the street party continued with many residents staying out on their drives well into the night!

One thing that is clear from the day is that come rain or shine – people are interested in having a Big Lunch and love the fact that they can meet their neighbours, enjoy some food and drink and use their road for something other than driving on!

Tony Mitchell

Lead Organiser

Lunch with the Pope – a street party on Pope rd Bromley, Kent.

www.lunchwiththepope.org