A year of friendship is the icing on the cake for lunches

It is just over a year since people first got together to share good food and good conversation at a Friendship Lunch inspired by The Yorkshire Post's Loneliness: The Hidden Epidemic campaign.
Michael and Sasha Ibbotson, the owners of the Durham Ox, pictured at the lunch.
Picture by Simon HulmeMichael and Sasha Ibbotson, the owners of the Durham Ox, pictured at the lunch.
Picture by Simon Hulme
Michael and Sasha Ibbotson, the owners of the Durham Ox, pictured at the lunch. Picture by Simon Hulme

In that time, hundreds of isolated or lonely older people have made new friends at the meals at the Durham Ox in Crayke, and they have been expanded to six other venues across North Yorkshire.

Yesterday, almost 70 people gathered at the Ox to celebrate the first anniversary of the lunch, which provide a “doorstep to friendship” for many people who might not get the chance to get out of the house very often.

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The owner of the Durham Ox, Michael Ibbotson, said: “The first lunch we held was in the bar area in the pub - a year later we’ve had to move to the function room as we couldn’t fit everyone in otherwise.”

Linda Cook serves the diners at the lunch.
Picture by Simon HulmeLinda Cook serves the diners at the lunch.
Picture by Simon Hulme
Linda Cook serves the diners at the lunch. Picture by Simon Hulme

The first Friendship Lunch, which was been supported by parish councils, and charities including Age UK, was held to mark the first anniversary of The Yorkshire Post’s campaign in February 2015. In December, some of the regular attendees and staff were invited by the newspaper to a special party at 10 Downing Street.

“It’s not patronising, it’s not charity, it’s about friendship and looking out for each other,” Mr Ibbotson said. “And that’s why it’s worked.”

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