The Big Lunch is a very simple idea that evolved from the Eden Project. The aim is to get as many people as possible across the whole of the UK to have lunch with their neighbours in a simple act of community, friendship and fun.  Since the event began in 2009, thousands of Big Lunches have taken place in all kinds of communities and the best part of a million people have been involved each year.

Maureen Horn who organises the annual event in Grange Park, Blackpool, and has led the way in the creation of the Community Garden in Chepstow Road, invited Derek Butler and Maria Cann to help get the message across about the importance of hand-hygiene.  Jo Parker joined in the fun, with Staphon the superbug taking centre stage in the garden.  There was a chance learn about microbes and test out how good we are at washing hands with Maureen's lightbox.











Our thanks go to Simon Price of Molnlycke Healthcare who had arranged for Staphon to be sent over from Belgium for the event, they also donated glitter bug glo gel and hand rubs.  Eileen Henderson of Hull and East Yorkshire NHS Trust had donated soaps and the Trust's activities for encouraging handwashing are well used by children who attend the Cherwell Centre with Maureen. 

The Community Garden provides an opportunity for friends and neighbours on the Grange Park Estate to relax grow plants, fruit and vegetables.  The children help with the cultivation of the garden and Maureen wanted the theme of hand-hygiene to link in with growing food and healthy eating.  Everyone had a really nice afternoon.