On Saturday, 12 October, Wickhambreaux Village Hall welcomed local residents for its bi-monthly ‘Social Saturday’ event, providing a free soup lunch and an opportunity for the community to come together. The event, which ran from 12 pm to 1:30 pm, attracted between 70 and 100 residents from the parish and nearby villages.

Usually held as a coffee morning, October’s ‘Social Saturday’ offered a special lunch menu with three different soups, bread rolls, cheese, and apples. The soups were prepared by five local volunteers, and the apples were donated by local farmer Martin Twyman from his orchard.

Wickhambreaux, a small village near Canterbury with a population of around 550, is home to many elderly and vulnerable residents. For these individuals, village events provide an essential opportunity to socialize and connect. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, these residents, in particular, struggled with isolation and missed the sense of community such events provide.

Lucy Rushbrooke, the chairperson of the village hall committee, highlighted the importance of ‘Social Saturday,’ saying, “The intention is to bring local residents together in a warm convivial environment.” She added, “The committee believes that this is precisely the purpose of our hall!”

Mrs. Rushbrooke emphasized the importance of village halls, saying, “I believe that, together with a church and pub, village halls are – or should be – the beating heart of rural communities. They provide a tangible space for community events and gatherings, and from this comes intangible benefits of mutual support, friendships, and real-life social networks.”

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of many village halls and community spaces, with some still remaining closed. The pandemic led to a sense of disconnection, with many people losing touch with their neighbors. Events like Wickhambreaux’s ‘Social Saturday’ are helping to rebuild the community spirit and connections that were lost during lockdown.

These events not only encourage residents to leave their homes and explore their village but also promote a sense of neighborly care and support, fostering a more connected and caring society.

However, like all community projects, ‘Social Saturday’ relies on funding to keep going. Attendees are encouraged to donate towards the upkeep of the village hall to ensure it remains a functional and welcoming space for future events. Recently, the committee repaired the roof over the WC block and refurbished the facilities to make them wheelchair accessible, increasing the hall’s potential for external hires.

Mrs. Rushbrooke explained, “The building is more than 100 years old, and there are many bits and pieces that need doing. All these things are expensive, and we can only achieve them by sourcing funding from external sources.”

Wickhambreaux’s next ‘Social Saturday’ is scheduled for mid-December, featuring Christmas-themed activities and treats for all residents, further reinforcing the sense of community and togetherness in the village.