Third friendship lunch in South Yorks

Friendship LUNCHES inspired by the Yorkshire Post's loneliness campaign have expanded to a third South Yorkshire venue in just over a month.

The organiser of a lunch in Barnsley in July was inspired by similar events in North Yorkshire, which began on the first anniversary of the Loneliness: The Hidden Epidemic campaign last year.

She then expanded to a second venue, in Crosspool, Sheffield, and both have been such a success that a third pub will host its first Friendship Lunch next week. They have been organised by Kathy Markwick, who previously set up tea parties for lonely older people on behalf of Barnsley Rockley Rotary Club.

The new event takes place at Toby Carvery Parkhead, in Ecclesall, on Wednesday August 24 at 11.30am to 2.30pm. Tickets, including lunch and dessert, cost £6 and can be booked on 01142 362735