A popular Long Sutton coffee morning has brought former school friends together after 60 years.
Dennis Wallace and wife Shirley from Spalding are among 130 people that regularly attend the social event at St Mary’s Church Hall every Friday from 9.30am and midday.
It led to Dennis meeting old Peele School classmates Will Quantril and Keith Cook.
“It’s absolutely brilliant,” Dennis said of the socials. “They’re packed out and we have a great time.”
The St Mary’s Church Hall socials started as a handful of people meeting for coffee after the lockdowns.
It’s received financial boosts from Long Sutton Parish Council, district councillors and Lincolnshire Co-Op with several groups taking part in sessions.
Members also take on fundraising, including its Macmillan Coffee Morning, raising over £500.
Joanna Birdseye said: “That people are reuniting with school friends after 60 years highlights the hope we had at the beginning.
“We never imagined people would travel 35 miles regularly to meet their friends at our coffee morning.
“The atmosphere in the hall is filled with laughter and is testimony to the great community spirit our visitors create making it a very rewarding morning for both the community and helpers alike.
“We embrace all ages and value their input, whether it be recapturing old memories with one another, the social history they share or old friends popping in for a weekly catch up.”
The group are on the look out for more volunteers who are decked out in aprons made by a seamstress who attends.
“We are always keen to welcome new volunteers, no matter how much time they can offer,” Joanna continued. “Any help is always appreciated, please pop along on a Friday.”
