PEOPLE from all over Penhill sat down together as the John Moulton Centre dished up the first ever Big Lunch.

Guests braved the rainy weather to join in the community picnic hosted by the Penhill Street Reps.

“It’s been really good,” said Diana Pithers, one of the reps who helped to organise the afternoon’s festivities.

“We’ve had a good number of people turn up, and I’m so grateful to everyone who has helped us here today,” she added.

Supported by the Eden Project, the event celebrated the efforts of those who help bring communities together. A free BBQ was provided as well as ice lollies, cookies and fruit for children. There was also a bouncy castle and music alongside information stalls from different community organisations, including The Building Bridges programme, Naturehood, Swindon Climate Action Network, and the Swindon Libraries Bike.

“If there is the support for it, I would like to do it bigger and better next year,” said Diana. “I think the Eden Project’s idea is a corker, and it’s fantastic to bring people out and do something like this for the community.”

Paul Wilkins, housing participation officer for Swindon Borough Council who was involved in organising the day said: “People who live in Penhill know it has a really strong community, and you only have to look around today to see the embodiment of that,” he said.

Glynis Hales was promoting the Bee-Roadzz campaign, which aims to create corridors of wildlife. She said: “We have green spaces here in Penhill that nowhere else has in Swindon. With events like this we really want to open people’s eyes to the fact that Penhill is one of the best communities you could ever hope to live in.”

The new mayor Kevin Parry was also there to present the Junior Street Reps with their Swindon Pride 2019 award, for their work cleaning up litter in the area.

“I came along today to be a part of the community, and support what’s going on,” said Faith O’Sullivan, a mum of two. “It’s something fun to do for the kids and we’ve all had a great time. It’s almost a shame there aren’t more events like this as there’s a really good sense of community spirit and it’s very important to bring people together like this.”

Tina Styles, a mother of three from Penhill said: “It’s a really family friendly event. It’s amazing, how things like this get everyone together.”