Over-60s Luncheon Club is ‘Simply the Best’: From 10 friends to 150 strong

There’s an over-60s lunch club in Blackburn where everyone is invited!

Spearheaded by former councillor Maureen Bateson over 20 years ago, it has become a lifeline for older residents, offering food, fun, and friendship while tackling social isolation in the area.

And it all started with a simple idea.

Maureen, Blackburn’s longest continuously-serving councillor and lifelong Rovers fan remembers asking a friend from Blackburn Rovers, “Do you think we could have a lunch group?”

With some gentle persuasion, the club was born, aided by Rovers’ willingness to provide affordable meals.

Even the late Shebby Singh, a former football director, pitched in to help make it happen.

What began as a small gathering of just 10 people in the Blackburn Rovers Blues Bar two decades ago has today grown into a vibrant community of over 150 attendees.

“Older people in the area needed something to cheer them up,” Maureen explained. “This has become exactly that.”

Thanks to Blackburn-based Secret Santa, a community interest group that provides affordable presents for children of the borough all year round, with their support and careful planning, the luncheon is subsidised to cost just £7.50 for anyone who wants to attend.

This covers a two-course meal, tea and coffee, entertainment, bingo, quizzes, and a raffle. It’s a recipe for joy that’s as much about connection as it is about the monetary value.

The group has welcomed singer Jack Clarkson, whose energy and charisma have become a highlight of the Christmas events.

Maureen first discovered Jack during a weekend in Blackpool. “We didn’t go to see Jack, but the crowd was the most miserable bunch you could imagine,” she said. “Jack told us he was on Coronation Street, as the character Chesney and I thought he was going to get crucified by the crowd. But he had them up dancing! If he could entertain them, I knew he’d be perfect for us.”

Jack’s performances have since become legendary within the club, with songs like Simply the Best bringing the room to life—even drawing a sing-along from the occasional Burnley fan in attendance!

The club’s success is thanks to the people who come together to make it happen—both the attendees and the staff who ensure every detail is perfect.

Maureen extended her gratitude to everyone involved and joked about it growing so much that the group might need to move onto the pitch for their next gathering.

The luncheon club is about more than just a meal and entertainment. It’s a chance for older residents to forge friendships, share laughter, and feel part of a community. It’s a place where everyone will be made to feel welcome.

From 10 “willing victims” to a crowd of now over 150, the luncheon club is a shining example of what can happen when people come together to make a difference.

Cllr Jackie Floyd, Executive Member for Adults Social Care & Health, said:

What a wonderful example of Maureen’s, strengths, tenacity and persistence.

The positive joy for all of those attending, good food, good company, a reason to get up and get out, has an impact way beyond this wonderful event. Big thank you to Maureen, Secret Santa & Rovers for being such a shining example of what can be achieved when collaborating.

And, just last week, Secret Santa donated over 100 gift sacks to Blackburn with Darwen Council for our children and young people in care.

Today, they also are appealing for more donations in the run-up to Christmas.

Whatever you can afford to donate, from a selection box to a lynx gift set, all new-unopened gifts are warmly welcomed.

Cllr Julie Gunn, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:

Secret Santa have been supporting children across the borough for many years now and we are always grateful to them for their efforts to try to ensure that no child is left without something to open on Christmas Day, as well as at other important occasions like Eid and Easter.

Together, they provide a fun event that continues to grow and offers great value for money to many people who enjoy good food and good company.

Julie added:

Maureen Bateson is legendary for her determination when it comes to addressing anything that she sees could be made better.

It is exactly her dedication and passion for supporting her community that has made the luncheon clubs such a success.

How you can get involved:

· The next Ewood luncheon club is on Thursday, January, 30 from 12-2.30pm at Jack’s Kitchen, Jack Walker Stand, Blackburn Rovers. The price is £7.50 – all welcome, please don’t sit at home alone. To book a place and menu contact: Karen Boulding on 07929101910.

· If you would like to donate a gift please drop it in at the Secret Santa shop in Blackburn (opposite Marks & Spencer).