EastEnders’ Barbara Windsor celebrates communities

Former EastEnders actress Barbara Windsor took part in a prestigious awards ceremony yesterday at Clarence House.

The actress who played matriach Peggy Mitchell in the top rating BBC One soap was part of a celebration for five Big Lunch communities each of whom were presented with an award recognising their contribution to their local areas.

The Awards were presented by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, Patron of The Big Lunch, which is funded by the Big Lottery Fund.

“It’s been a pleasure to be part of The Big Lunch Community Awards and it’s a great honour to be invited to Clarence House to meet these five, incredibly deserving, communities.

“We’ve heard some truly inspirational stories, proving the amazing impact that holding a Big Lunch can have on communities and streets alike. It’s a marvellous idea and so simple too, you wouldn’t believe how easy it is to organise your own Big Lunch. I really hope the Awards and the positive legacy that having a Big Lunch leaves will encourage others from all corners of the UK to take part in this year’s event on 2 June. ” said Long-standing Big Lunch Ambassador, Barbara Windsor MBE.

The Big Lunch Community Awards were launched to acknowledge the positive and lasting impact that has been made to communities during the first five years of The Big Lunch, an annual get-together for neighbours, initiated by the Eden Project in 2009, taking place this year on Sunday the 2nd of June.

The Lottery-funded Big Lunch, supported by MasterCard, Kingsmill and Asda, is an annual event led by the Eden Project which encourages neighbours to get together on one day a year for a few hours of community, friendship and fun, with 8.5 million people taking part last year.

A more detailed report can be found in our Celebrity and Showbiz section here.