Companionship Lunches in Willerby and Woodmansey: Three Years of Friendship, Food and Fun

Here at Home Instead Beverley & Hull, we believe that good company is one of the best things for health and happiness at any age. That’s why we’re so proud to share that both of our monthly companionship lunches, at the Manor Farm in Willerby and the Warton Arms in Woodmansey, celebrated their third anniversary this October. Three years of laughter, friendship, games and good food, and we’re only just getting started.

If you or someone you love lives in Beverley, Hull, Willerby, Cottingham, Woodmansey or the surrounding East Riding villages and would enjoy a sociable lunch out, read on. You don’t need to be a Home Instead client to come along. These lunches are open to everyone.

Why companionship matters for older people in East Yorkshire

Loneliness can affect anyone, but it’s especially common in later life. Perhaps friends have moved away, a partner has passed, or getting out and about isn’t as easy as it used to be. Across Hull and the East Riding, many older people can go days without a proper conversation.

Our companionship lunches were created to change that. They give people a reason to get dressed up, get out of the house and spend a few hours with friendly faces. Many of our regulars arrived not knowing a soul and now look forward to catching up with friends they’ve made around the table.

Meet Jan, our fabulous host

At the heart of both lunches is Jan, one of our wonderful Home Instead care professionals. Jan has hosted the lunches since they began three years ago, and she has a real gift for making everyone feel welcome. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, Jan makes sure nobody sits on their own, everyone is included in the fun, and every guest goes home having had a lovely time.

Jan also loves to bring a theme to the lunches, particularly around the holidays. From festive touches at Christmas to seasonal celebrations throughout the year, there’s always something a little special to look forward to.

What happens at a companionship lunch?

Alongside a delicious pub lunch and plenty of chat, each event includes three firm favourites:

• Bingo – eyes down for a full house! A classic that never fails to get the room buzzing.
• Play Your Cards Right – higher or lower? Expect plenty of shouting at the cards and lots of laughs.
• A quiz – a friendly test of general knowledge, with questions to suit everyone. It’s all about the fun, not the score.

It’s a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where you can join in as much or as little as you like.

Companionship lunch at the Manor Farm, Willerby, 1st Wednesday of the month

Our first lunch of the month takes place at the Manor Farm pub, 194 Willerby Road, HU5 5JW, on the first Wednesday of every month. The Manor Farm is a popular, welcoming pub on the edge of Willerby, convenient for guests from Willerby, Kirk Ella, Anlaby, Cottingham and west Hull.

Companionship lunch at the Warton Arms, Woodmansey, 3rd Wednesday of the month

Our second lunch takes place at the Warton Arms, Hull Road, Woodmansey, HU17 0TH, on the third Wednesday of every month. This charming thatched pub sits just outside Beverley on the Hull Road, making it easy to reach from Beverley, Woodmansey, Dunswell, Thearne and north Hull.

Why not come along to both? Many of our regulars do meaning Jan has to make sure she changes up the quiz!

Transport from Beverley with Beverley Community Lift

We know that getting there can be the hardest part. That’s why we’re so grateful to our friends at Beverley Community Lift, a local community transport charity that helps older and less mobile people across Beverley and the surrounding villages get out and about.

Beverley Community Lift brings a van from Beverley to both of our companionship lunches. If you’d like to enquire about being picked up, please contact Beverley Community Lift directly through their website or by calling 01482 868082.

Three years and counting!

Reaching our third anniversary at both venues is a real milestone, and it simply wouldn’t have been possible without our wonderful guests, the friendly teams at the Manor Farm and the Warton Arms, Beverley Community Lift, and of course Jan, whose warmth and energy make every lunch special.

To everyone who has joined us over the past three years: thank you for the laughter, the stories and the friendships. Here’s to many more!

Come and join us

Whether you’re looking for a little more social contact for yourself, or you’re a family member searching for companionship activities for an older relative in Beverley or Hull, we’d love to see you at one of our lunches. You don’t need to be a client of Home Instead, everyone is welcome.

For more information about our companionship lunches, or to find out how Home Instead Beverley & Hull can support you or your loved one with companionship and home care, get in touch with our friendly team on 01483 231 145 or visit our page.