Entertainment Swindon

The Christ Church Lunch Club will be celebrating its one year anniversary on Monday 13th October. Supporting this this special milestone, the Mayor of Swindon will be attending to meet with members, volunteers and supporters, to celebrate a year of shared meals, laughter and friendship.

What began as a small idea between a mother and daughter has blossomed into a thriving weekly gathering that now welcomes around 25 to 30 people every Monday. Founded by Pat Tomlinson and her daughter Toni-Jo Henderson, the Lunch Club was launched on 14th
October 2024 at Christ Church Community Centre (CCCC) to provide a place of warmth, good food, and companionship for older and more vulnerable members of the local community.

With the help of Chris Smith, the Centre’s Operations Manager, and a dedicated team of volunteers, the club has gone from strength to strength. The Co-op’s generous £500 donation helped the group get off the ground, and community support has continued ever since —
including fundraising efforts such as volunteer Tom’s two marathons, which raised money for essential kitchen equipment.

Over the past year, the Lunch Club has celebrated birthdays, Christmas carol sing-alongs, and countless shared moments around the table. Each week, volunteers including Sue (chef), Rhiannon (baker), Linda (kitchen hand), and many others work together to serve hearty meals and homemade puddings in a warm and welcoming setting.

Reflecting on the milestone, Toni-Jo said: “The Lunch Club began as a simple idea to give my mum, Pat, a new sense of purpose after the Olive Tree Café closed — but it’s become so much more. It’s now a community in its own right, full of care, laughter, and friendship. I’m so proud of what she’s achieved and grateful for everyone who’s helped along the way.”

The team at Christ Church Community Centre, together with the Vicar, Rev. Simon Stevenette, continue to support the Lunch Club’s mission to offer connection and companionship to those who might otherwise be isolated. Plans are already being discussed for the future — including possible social outings for members.