Community Sunday dinner aims to combat loneliness

Delicious free dinners were served at a charity roast in honour of a local pensioner at Queens Park on Sunday (April 8).
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Apr 2018, 14:39 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 06:37 BST

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Pat O'Byrne at the Sunday Roast eventPat O'Byrne at the Sunday Roast event
Pat O'Byrne at the Sunday Roast event

Pat O’Byrne, 87, inspired the event by posting that she was looking for someone to share a Sunday dinner with on a Facebook group.

Kefi Chadwick who organises the Facebook group Brighton Sunday Roast Club, where Ms O’Byrne posted, said she got lots of offers for roasts, as people are becoming more conscious of loneliness among the elderly.

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Ladies Mile pub chef Richard Tisbury cooked up a feast with all the trimmings for guests including mayor Mo Marsh.

Ms O’Byrne said: “I only know my daughter here, but this just happened out of the blue and I’d be happy if it carried on.”

Around 100 people booked in for the free Sunday dinner, but it was a rainy day, which inevitably encouraged a low turnout.

Ms Chadwick said: “This was a one off for now but I wouldn’t rule out any future events.”

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The charity event was organised by property developers First Base, owners of the former Amex House site on Edward Street, in collaboration with the Brighton Sunday Roast Club, Brighton Casserole Club and Impetus. Over 20 people volunteered their time on the day.

Olaide Oboh at First Base said: “We’re pleased that so many turned out and to see everybody chatting, enjoying the roast and hopefully making lasting friendships. This community spirit is exactly what we envision for the former Amex House site and we hope that this will be one of many events like this”

Kefi Chadwick of Brighton Sunday Roast Club said: “I’m delighted the event was such a success. We’re very proud to have been involved and hope that more people connect with each other as a result, either through our Facebook page, via the Brighton Casserole Club or directly having met each other at the event.”

For reviews of Brighton pubs and roast dinners, look at the Brighton Sunday Roast Club Facebook page.

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