Deonie Stone IT’S by far the best value meal in town – and hungry lunchers don’t even have to book.
Every Friday, a feast fit for royalty is whipped up by a hardworking group of ladies at the Pakenham Uniting Church hall.
For the princely sum of $1.50, diners can enjoy a variety of freshly cut sandwiches, possibly a hearty bowl of soup, a biscuit or slice of cake and – if there’s still space – a lovingly made cup of tea or coffee.
The lunch has for years been a legend of the Pakenham social scene.
However, changing times mean it does not have the following it once did.
Only a handful of people were at the hall last Friday to enjoy a bite to eat, a cuppa and a chat.
Miserable weather may have kept a few regulars away, but the ladies want to spread the word to newer residents in the town that they would be most welcome.
Deonie Stone, one of several willing volunteers who take turns preparing the lunch each week, would like to see more people take advantage of their generous hospitality.
“The more the merrier,” Mrs Stone said.
“We don’t have as many as we used to. Anybody can come.”
Rieky Volders, Moira Fox and Win Macreadie also reinforced the message of welcome when the Gazette dropped by.
Graeme McAree is a longtime Pakenham resident has been lunching at the hall for about 10 years, and said he would not miss the meal.
“It’s a good lunch, nice to have a bit of company,” he said.
“They are a lovely lot of ladies and the sandwiches are delicious.”
Mrs Volders said nobody was quite sure how long the lunches had been going, but the ladies are determined they continue.
Certainly they have won a remarkable battle with inflation to keep the price so low.
“You can’t get a cup of tea for $1.50 these days. Here you can have a sandwich, a biscuit and as many cups as you want,” Mrs Volders said.
They’re all made with love, too.
Paul Dunlop
