A husband and wife duo who have run a not-for-profit luncheon club for the last ten years, cooking up more than 20,000 meals in the process, are to step down this week.
Tony and Pat Longworth, of Bolton at Home’s Longsight Lodge sheltered accommodation, have run the luncheon club for fellow residents and members of the local community. The club has met for 48 Wednesday’s of each year since its launch in 2001.
In a fitting send off, the couple will join residents for a festive celebration at the annual Christmas party, today (Wednesday, December 21). Tony and Pat have managed every past event, from the shopping, cooking and serving, to the cleaning up afterwards.
The frugal pair has executed the lunches for just £2.50 per head, serving around 40 guests each Wednesday, recouping enough money to cover their outgoings and run a free Christmas party, complete with presents, each year.
Whilst the annual Christmas luncheon will still take place, Pat and Tony are hoping that someone else will step forward and take up the mantle for the weekly events. The Wednesday luncheon club includes lunch, followed by bingo.
The inspiring couple will continue their community work with ongoing activities including coffee mornings, Wii nights and a cinema club. Each activity is open to Longsight Lodge residents and members of the local community to encourage community spirit.
On stepping down, Pat said: “It’s been a pleasure doing it for the lovely people at Longsight Lodge. We’ll miss it, but it’s the right time for us to step back a little."
Tony added: “I’m proud to think the lunch and leisure club has helped to create a close community and still hopeful that it’ll continue in the future.”
Julie Riley, Bolton at Home’s Customer Support Manager, said: “What Pat and Tony have brought to the Longsight residents and wider community over the last decade is truly commendable. The selfless couple have worked tirelessly and we’re so appreciative of what they’ve achieved.”