1:58pm Wednesday 15th July 2009
By Manisha Mistry
A HARPENDEN mother will be bringing together the young and old during a street party this weekend.
Catherine Marke has organised the gathering in Park Rise as part of the national Big Lunch project which aims to create a bond within communities.
The 31-year-old told the Review she is hoping to get the community spirit going in the area, and sees it as opportunity for neighbours to get to know each other.
She said: “We are holding it in the same part of the road as the last street party in 1977 for the Silver Jubilee, some of those expected to attended lived here at that time.
“Most wouldn't have even been born then so I saw this as the perfect opportunity to organise another one.”
The Big Lunch was an idea dreamed up by two members of the Eden Project and on Sunday, July 19, residents across the country will come together.
On the day, in Park Rise, there will be food, arts and crafts for children, games for adults including giant jenga, a cake stall, a raffle and the chance for people who have never met to get to know their neighbours.
Catherine said: “In the invites I have suggested everyone brings something along so one person isn't doing all the hard work.
“Hopefully people can use it as a chance to get to know each other. There have been a few new families who have moved in and there are quite a lot of families with young children who probably have never met.
“I just thought it was a really nice idea. I've spoken to the people who were here at the last street party and they said it was really fun. So hopefully we can get some community spirit going.”
More information about the national event can be found at www.thebiglunch.com.
Are you holding a Big Lunch street party in your area? Tell us below.
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