RESIDENTS from across the town have been invited to come together later this month for a lunch to mark ‘One Day Without Us’ – a celebration of immigrant contributions to the UK over the years.

The special event, to take place at the Broadgreen Community Centre on February 20, is being organised by Voluntary Action Swindon and the Swindon Equality Coalition in partnership with the United Lunch Club.

Joy Grötzinger, a member of the club, said: “We aim to bring people together from across Swindon’s many communities to spend a day sharing and enjoying each other’s food and company.

“There will also be a range of cultural performances to liven up the day.”

The organising team are on the hunt for people to help out with the event, they would particularly welcome those who can provide food to reflect the cultural diversity of the town.

So far they have secured African, Caribbean, Pakistani and Iranian offerings but would like to encourage people from the Polish, Goan and Nepalese communities, among others, to take part too.

Those providing food must have a Level 2 Food Hygiene certificate.

The United Lunch Club has been running for 28 years and has served several hundreds of members of the community during that time.

Originally launched as the Age Concern Caribbean Lunch Club, it later began to attract members from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds and changed its name to embrace all faiths and nationalities.

Gloria Bishop has been involved in organising the lunch club since it began in 1989.

She said: “The One Day Without Us event embodies everything we are about.

"It’s really just a chance to bring our communities together, get to know each other better, celebrate our diversity and the positive contribution that we all make to the UK.”

The national co-ordinators of the One Day Without Us initiative said: “For 24 hours, we are inviting immigrants from inside and outside the European Union, and everyone who supports them, to celebrate the contribution that they make.

"Some may choose to do this symbolically, by wearing badges and lanyards, posting selfies or pictures that show your support, or putting posters in their windows. Some may wish to have a communal meal or a party with the immigrants they have known as friends, colleagues, workmates and neighbours.

"Whatever your nationality and place of origin; wherever you live and work, join us and make February 20 a day of protest, solidarity and celebration.”

Those attending the lunch will be asked to make £3 donation towards costs providing they can afford it.

A Facebook event page has been set up at https://www.facebook.com/events/930111487125696/

To find out more you can also email hannah@vas-swindon.org or telephone 01793 538398.