Irvine: Lunch Club is back with a bang in Castlepark Community Centre

They had an active membership of 30, however around  10 of them sadly died during the enforced recess and are much missed.

But there was great excitement last month when doors opened once again for club members and there was an opportunity to sample a three-course meal and then, the thing they had been missing so much – the chance to chat and catch up on what had been happening in their lives.

Meetings are held on Tuesdays, from noon.

Lunch club at Castlepark community Centre...Picture by contracted freelance Steve McKendrick.

Community Builder Sally MacIntyre said: “ The ones who came back have said thank goodness. They felt really isolated although one or two of the women went to walking groups during the pandemic.

“The group has been on the go for two decades but the last meeting had been in early 2020.

“Thirty came before the pandemic but at least 10 of them died during the break which was sad.

“Everyone was excited to return because some people live alone and they don’t see anyone from one week to the next.

“The group is open to people aged from 55 and upwards but the average age is about 70 and men and women are welcome.” Castlepark Community Association chairwoman Marjory Dickie said: “I’ve been involved in the Community Centre for 51 years since I was 17.

“We are trying to build back the group again. It’s great to see the people using the centre, it gives you satisfaction.”

Lunch club at Castlepark community Centre...Picture by contracted freelance Steve McKendrick.

Margaret Linton, a longtime  Lunch Club member said: “I’ve been coming to the club for years and years. I missed it terribly – I live alone in the sheltered housing complex but didn’t have company and couldn’t use any of the facilities.

“I’m still anxious about going out after the pandemic and like to just get home after it, so I have the My Bus Service which takes me there and picks me up.”

Christine Milligan said: “I’ve been coming to the Lunch Club since it first started and it’s just good company and the chance to meet new people, it also gets you out of the house.”

Tam Long and his wife, Jean are long-time members.

Jean said: “ I love it here – it’s the company I like.

Tam said: “I’ve always been in the club, it’s brilliant. The organisers are great – they do it voluntarily.”

“We used to do a lot of trips before Covid like Dundee and Dumfries and the Falkirk Wheel before Covid, hopefully there will be some more,”

Added Jean: “I love it here – it’s the company I like and it’s great to be back.”