Home Instead backs Dumont Luncheon Club's 30th Year
We have teamed up with the Home Instead Charities to donate £500 to the Dumont Luncheon Club, as they celebrate 30 years of service to the St Oysth and Point Clear Community.
£500 Donation
Home Instead Clacton, Frinton and Walton & the Home Instead Charities have donated £500 to the Dumont Luncheon Club , as they celebrate 30 years of service to the St Osyth and Point Clear community. The funds will go towards the much-loved weekly lunch clubs that bring around 80 older people together for a freshly cooked meal and companionship.
The donation was presented during the Luncheon Club’s 30th anniversary celebrations, recognising three decades of dedication to reducing loneliness and creating a welcoming space where older members of the community can connect, make new friends and enjoy time together.
Volunteers Are Amazing
Run entirely by a committed team of volunteers, the Dumont Luncheon Club is about far more than serving lunch. Behind the scenes, volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year, applying for grants, organising transport, shopping, preparing and cooking meals, serving guests and ensuring every attendee receives a warm welcome.
Chair of the charity, Dot Johnson has been volunteering with the Dumont Luncheon Club for nine years , she said: “It’s wonderful to see people chatting and enjoying each other’s company. We hope the guests enjoy coming as much as we, the volunteers, enjoy welcoming and serving them.”
Three generations of the same family – Maureen and Lisa Barnett, alongside Shelby Badnal – have been volunteering at the Dumont Luncheon Club for the past 18 years. Lisa, the club’s resident chef, said : “We volunteer because we care about our community and want to give something back. It’s so much more than a lunch club – it’s a place where friendships are made, people look out for one another, and no one has to feel alone. Seeing everyone leave with a smile makes it all worthwhile.”
Club Offers Guests a Lifeline
For many of the club’s regular guests, the weekly lunches are a highlight of their week. “The volunteers are brilliant, and the meals are always excellent. Since losing my wife, it’s been lovely to have somewhere to come each week. It gets me out of the house, gives me the chance to meet other people, have a chat and keep up with what’s going on.” said 91 year-old Peter Brigg, known as ‘Jammy Pete, ‘ on account of his jam making skills.
Rita Buisson and Marylyn Ritchie both agree the weekly get togethers are a lifeline. Rita said: “We don’t get out so much anymore so it’s good to come here and mix with other people , it makes the world of difference .”
Proud To Support Our Community
The £500 donation , £300 from Home Instead Clacton, Frinton and Walton and £200 from Home Instead Charities, is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting organisations that help older people remain connected, independent and active within
their local communities.
Jo Thorne, Community Engagement Officer at Home Instead Clacton, Frinton and Walton, said: “Through our work supporting older people in their own homes, we see first-hand the impact that social isolation and loneliness can have on wellbeing . That’s why we’re so proud to support this initiative. This dedicated team of volunteers give their time so generously, making guests feel valued. ”
The Dumont Luncheon Club’s 30th anniversary celebrations , brought together volunteers, and guests , for fish, chips , ice-cream and a sing-along, celebrating the lasting impact the club has had on the local community over the past three decades and looking forward to many more years of bringing people together.
If you can support the Dumont Luncheon Club in any way, volunteering your time or donating funds, they would love to hear from you, call Dot on 07790 215879 .
