TAVISTOCK residents braved swirling mist earlier this month, to pitched the first tarpaulin on the banked grass in Bannawell Street Park ready for their Big Lunch 2010.

Armed with local homemade or Fairtrade food and an assortment of games, the Bannawell Street residents were determined to enjoy the event, despite somewhat dodgy weather.

Max Laithwaite of Westden said: 'It was great to see the first of our neighbours coming around the corner handling their hamper up the hill.

'Before long we had around 30 people lunching on a giant patchwork of picnic blankets. Children played freely and safely on the recreation equipment while others adventured down the stream bisecting the park.

'Thanks go to all those who braved the grey and made the effort. We all felt that it is the start of some regular neighborhood gatherings.'

The organisers also paid tribute to Roger Howard and Wayne Southall from Tavistock Town Council for permission to hold the event in the park, which proved to be an excellent venue and somewhat of a secret garden to many.

The Big Lunch is an Eden Project initiative which encourages communities to slow down for one day, get together and enjoy our environment and each other.

Max said: 'Westden promoted the first big lunch last year in the Meadows which unfortunately was rained off. 2010 has been much more sun-friendly and was for the residents living around Bannawell Street Park. All who attended agreed that we should try and make them more regular.'

Another Big Lunch was held at Gulworthy, at which some 49 residents, mainly from the Devon Great Consols area, got together to enjoy a social lunchtime get-together.

For more information about the big lunch visit http://www.thebiglunch.com">www.thebiglunch.com For more information about Westden and to find information about how to get involved visit http://www.westden.org.uk">www.westden.org.uk