THE Save the Children ‘hunger lunch’ on March 24 was a delightful, bustling social occasion, attending by many local people, both regular supporters of Save the Children events, and newcomers.

This year a magnificent total of £638 was raised, the best figure for this annual event in the last 15 years of records.

At the lunch, taking place in Camelford Hall, people were able to enjoy a wide range of delicious homemade soups, bread and cheese and cakes. The Save the Children committee and its helpers enjoy choosing and making soups with a good range, not only of tastes, but also of colours — a feast for the eyes, as well as the tastebuds.

As well as lunches, provided for a donation, there was a cake stall, raffle, bric-a-brac and bookstall — plus a raffle was held.

The Camelford group was founded by the late Biddy Holden in the 1950s and is the longest-running Save the Children group in the South West. In the last 15 years, it has raised almost £50,000 for one of the most important UK-based international charities and is the only such charity to work in this country, as well as in over 120 countries worldwide.

Forthcoming local Save the Children events include ‘The Wild and Woolly West’ at the John Betjeman Centre, Wadebridge, on Wednesday, May 16 at 2.30pm — a fascinating and funny illustrated talk by Rick Gould about his ancestors’ journey driving sheep and cattle 2,000 miles across the United States to California in 1835. Later in the year there will be a West Gallery concert with readings in St Teath and a special children’s performance involving local schools. To find out more, contact [email protected].