Food, Glorious Food!

When I went on my laptop this morning, the inevitable pop-up reminded me that today's Veteran's Lunch had been cancelled. Sadly, we had to cancel the lunch in March too. And probably May's will also be called off. These monthly lunches have been up and running for just under two years and are proving very successful. Now overseen by three wonderful volunteers, my input is minimal but I still like to attend and check in on everyone.

 The initial idea came about as part of our commitment to work with veterans. Hosting a light lunch at the Museum seemed a great idea, encouraging folk who have served in the Armed Forces to meet up with others in a relaxing environment over a brew and a sandwich. We trialled it before Christmas in 2017, with the help of funding from the Asda foundation, but due to limited timescale we had a poor attendance. Undeterred, we decided to try it again in July 2018 as part of our Remembrance project. This time assisted by HLF funding, we scheduled regular monthly Monday lunches and started to promote them in and around Carlisle. Slow to start, numbers began to increase.

 All ages attend, from some in their thirties to some in their nineties. It is relaxed and informal, there are no strict rules, just come and meet folk and share the military banter. We usually start with a quiz whilst tea and coffee is served. This is followed by a light lunch ranging from sandwiches to soup to jacket potatoes. We have been kindly supported each month by a donation from Morrisons which enables us to buy cake, sausage rolls, tea, coffee, milk etc and keeps the price down to £3 per person.

 Not only do we have regular attendees but new friendships have been forged,with folk looking forward to meeting up once a month. The camaraderie and friendship all help to combat isolation and loneliness. No-one is excluded and we are always encouraging new folk to attend as everyone is made to feel welcome and it is very inclusive. We have even managed to involve Reservist soldiers from  4Lancs who have popped in to chat to the attendees, bringing some of their modern stuff to show everyone the latest MoD kit. Some of those that regularly attend help market the event to other veterans, encouraging them to come along. All the veterans are very supportive of the Museum and are keen to be updated on what is happening in Alma. It is their Museum. It is a great relationship and one which we are proud of.

 At Christmas, we have even hold a proper cooked Christmas lunch which is organised and cooked by a military chef. We try to get sponsorship to help keep the Christmas lunch price the same as the rest of the year - last year we were supported by AgeUK - and we recruit volunteers to help serve at table. In 2019, we had over 70 attendees with the volunteers working hard to serve and clear each table, and look after the veterans throughout the meal. It was a wonderful success and we hope to repeat it again this December.

 Although we are a Museum, we actively work to provide supporting activity for our audiences. The veterans community is an important part of our wider audience and we are priviledged to be able to use our Museum building in this way, providing a monthly event that brings veterans together. The familiar feel of the military surroundings enable everyone to feel part of something, and the veterans' contribution works for the Museum too. We can ask their advice, ask for their support and know that they will be great advocates for us. It certainly is a success story and we look forward to restarting the lunches when we are back in the Museum.

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