Music and TV personality Michelle McManus visited local children at St Ninians Library who were attending a special Rhyme Time session organised by Stirling Libraries and The Big Lunch this week.

She read ‘George and Flora’s Big Party’ – an Eden Project book based on The Big Lunch concept to the children, which is about neighbourly get-togethers and how getting to know your neighbours makes people happier.

Michelle McManus said: “It has been lovely to come along to the event today and see the children having fun and learning about why being active in the community is important.

“The Big Lunch is a fantastic idea that is having a positive impact in communities across Scotland and I’d encourage more Stirling neighbours to get organising Big Lunches this June. I got the ball rolling in my street last year and held one for my neighbours - we all had a great day getting to know each other better.” The Big Lunch – the UK’s annual get-together for neighbours - is funded by The Big Lottery Fund and partnered by Halifax, ASDA and StreetClub by B&Q.

Now in its sixth year, the simple idea from the Eden Project aims to provide neighbours with an opportunity to get to know one another better.

The Big Lunch happens on the first Sunday in June each year – this year Sunday 1 June.

Leader of Stirling Council, Councillor Johanna Boyd, said: “I am delighted that Stirling Council was able to host this session for children and their parents today. Libraries are at the heart of our communities, each one is a unique community hub bringing people together from all walks of life to share in their enjoyment of books, reading, history, learning and so much more.” Libraries, Archives & Customer Services Manager at Stirling Council, added: Richard Aird, “The Big Lunch shares a simliar community ethos to our library service and it is something we’re proud to be involved with – our staff will be actively encouraging all of the communities they serve to get involved in this great initiative.” All pack materials are undated so communities can have Big Lunches when best suits them if they can’t join in on Sunday 1 June.

For more information, contact Emma at The Big Lunch in Scotland on emma.smith@thebiglunch.com or on 0141 559 5066.