A long-established West Norfolk lunch club for senior citizens which has been serving up helpings of food and fellowship in Gaywood for almost 60 years is taking on a new lease of life with the appointment of a new leader.Rebecca Burridge is looking forward to the challenge of her new volunteer role at the helm of the Forget-Me-Not Over 60s Lunch Club which meets in Gaywood Church Rooms and is run under the auspices of St Faith's Church Gaywood LEP.It is exciting times for the Club as it looks forward to celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026.Mrs Burridge, a solicitor with the Lynn-based Burridge and Pluck legal firm, is now running the club after it was temporarily paused while a new leader was found.She strongly believes clubs like Forget-Me-Not play a vital community role in bringing older people together to socialise and make friends over a hearty 2-course meal."For some people coming to the club's weekly lunch gets them out of the house offering them the chance to meet new friends," said Rebecca.She said one of her first jobs will be to try and attract some new members. "We need more new members to ensure the Club is viable and to keep down the food costs.”The club is supported by a small team of long-serving helpers who serve the meals, wash-up and clear away afterwards as well as making diners feel very welcome in the Gaywood Church Rooms. Mrs Burridge said: "The small team of volunteer helpers play an important role in ensuring everyone has an enjoyable time over lunch.”The club was founded almost six decades ago and leading figures over the years have included Connie Kenyon, Elaine Price-Jones, Lesley Harrison, Ken Robinson and Angela Roseblade.St. Faith's Rector, Revd Kyla Sørensen said she was delighted that the Club has re-started now a new lead volunteer was found. "Speaking with our regular diners, I know that they are happy too." she said.Revd Sørensen said the lunch club has been an important part of St. Faith’s church's mission for nearly sixty years. "What a shining example of church working with community. I am confident that under new management it will continue to flourish again as a place of welcome."
One of the many wonderful things we are part of as the parish church in Gaywood is to be alongside couples when they get married. Yes, there is the legal bit our Priests do as Registrars but truly the best bit is being prayerful companions in their planning, and sharing in their joy on the big day. As a church family we pray for our couples in church every week in the run up to their ceremony and invite them to join us to hear their banns read and to come along to events. Here are some photos of the recent wedding of Mr and Mrs Catton...may they be blessed for their future together.
Here is a photo from Saturday’s Big Cream Tea! We did have lots of families with us too - but no photos of the kiddies. Lots of laughter, sunshine and cake. A brilliant afternoon had by all!Photo: Mike Tidd
