There’s something special happening in Queens East, Chippenham. Over the summer, the local community has been coming together to share good food, friendly conversation, and a growing sense of connection – thanks to the residents panel set up by the Community Conversations Project.
Every Wednesday, Kingsley Road Community Hall has been transformed into a welcoming space filled with the sight of colourful cold buffet dishes, and the cheerful buzz of neighbours chatting. The Community Lunch & Pantry events, running weekly through the summer, were open to everyone. Residents could drop in for a cuppa, help themselves to a light cold lunch, and take home a bag of pantry goodies – complete with simple recipe cards to make the most of everyday ingredients.
But the lunches are only part of the story. Across Queens East, residents have been working together on projects that brighten their neighbourhood, from colourful planted tubs to a restored red phone box now hosting book and seed swaps. A sense of community and possibility is growing – and it’s all powered by local people.
Louisa’s Perspective – The Vision
For Louisa Young, Chippenham’s Community Conversations Lead at Wiltshire Council, the heart of the project has always been about listening to residents and creating opportunities for them to shape their own community.
“Community Conversations are about making sure the whole community is heard, not just consulted, but genuinely part of what happens.” she explains. “In Queens East, we’ve built a residents panel that leads local initiatives, and everyone’s welcome to contribute and take part. The Lunch & Pantry came directly from those conversations. It’s about neighbours coming together to build a strong, more connected community.”
The idea came about after noticing a gap in local services. While the Sheldon Road Methodist Church hosts brilliant midweek community lunches for over-55s in the autumn and winter, there was nothing happening over the summer. At the same time, the Queens East area doesn’t currently have the facility for a fixed pantry or community hub.
“This was a way of creating something together – a space where everyone could feel welcome, whether it’s to enjoy a cuppa, take home some fresh produce, or simply have a chat with a neighbour,” Louisa says.
The project also introduced recipe cards alongside pantry bags, helping people make use of everyday ingredients they might not know how to cook. Louisa explains:
“I spoke to several local food banks, and some feedback was that people often received ingredients they weren’t sure what to do with. So, residents came up with simple recipes – Tex-Mex tacos, bean salads – to help make these staples into something tasty.”
The social side has been just as important as the food. With around 1,200 residents in 600 homes, many living alone, the lunches offer an opportunity to meet neighbours, form friendships and break down isolation.
“It’s been really lovely to see the mix of ages – literally from babies to 80-year-olds – all sitting down together, chatting, sharing food. That social connection is at the heart of what we’re trying to achieve.”
Looking ahead, Louisa is hopeful the project will continue to grow, with plans for a Community Fun Day and potential lunches in the autumn and winter, funding permitting.
“We’d love to see even more people involved, whether joining the resident panel or volunteering. This is about giving residents the chance to help shape their own community, and the buzz at these events has been amazing.”
Laura’s Perspective – A Resident’s Voice
For Laura, a member of the residents’ panel, the Community Lunch & Pantry has been a chance to see ideas become reality and to help neighbours feel connected in a practical, hands-on way.“I went to one of the first community meetings that were held, just to get more information,” she recalls. “I heard about the residents’ panel and thought, I can help out a little – so I joined.”
From there, the events came together quickly and pretty much overnight for this event.
“Louisa checked the hall was free, and we had another lady who’s an Olio rep helping with the food donations. We just turned up with what food we had to share, some bags, and people could help themselves. That’s all it took.”
Laura has been involved in putting together the recipe cards that accompany pantry bags, offering ideas for simple dishes like tuna salad or bean salads.
“We try to make sure the non-perishable ingredients are in the bags with the recipes. If we get donated fresh ingredients, we add those too, or people can help themselves from the pantry.”
The lunches have attracted a diverse mix of people. Regulars have returned week after week, but newcomers – from children playing in the park to Ukrainian refugees recently settled in the area – have also joined in.
“It’s literally for everybody and anyone who lives locally. We’ve only advertised very locally so far, but anyone is welcome. There’s no eligibility – just turn up.”
The pantry has become a celebration of community generosity. Donations come from neighbours’ cupboards, gardens, allotments, and local supermarkets.
“It’s a long table with a healthy selection of stuff. People can eat, chat, take food home, try out the recipe ideas, and learn about other things going on – like cookery courses or the community fun day at the end of the month.”
Laura reflects on what makes the events special:
“It’s not just about the food – it’s about talking to people, meeting new neighbours, and sharing what we’ve got. That sense of togetherness is powerful.”
Marian’s Perspective – Grassroots Impact
For Marian, involvement in the project has meant rolling up her sleeves and seeing tangible changes across Queens East.“Louisa got in contact with me about a year ago and suggested I get involved in the Residents’ Panel. From there, we’ve just all gone forward together,” she says.
The panel now has around ten members; all committed to reaching as many households in the area as possible. Marian sees the work as more than organising events – it’s about creating a supportive, connected community.
“We haven’t got much around here for people who need it. Everybody knows where to come now – for support, friendship, and to feel part of the community. That’s really important.”
Marian has been hands-on with other projects, too. The estate has also benefitted from the local Chippenham Shed group, who have built planters in the area, along with generous donations of plants from B&Q.
Marian waters the new flower planters herself, carrying water carefully around the estate – neighbours even bought her a trolley to help manage the 144 pints she uses each week. Her dedication goes beyond just the physical effort; she’s found creative ways to source the water needed.
“So, what I have to do is save my shower water. My shower is over the bath, I put the plug in and also use all my washing up water,” Marian explains. “I pray for rain.”
“It takes time, but it’s worth it. People stop to chat about the plants and it’s another way of connecting.”
On the Community Lunch & Pantry, Marian has seen the events grow in popularity.
“We are getting more and more people now. From a little one-year-old to older residents, everyone mixes together. It’s lovely and warm, and it’s been like that every time.”
For Marian, the impact goes beyond food and plants.
“People now know where to come if they need help, and they feel like part of something bigger. The community lunches are just one piece, but they’ve made a real difference to people’s lives.”
Chippenham Borough Lands Charity – Supporting Community-Led Change
While the Queens East Community Lunch & Pantry has been resident and Wiltshire Council led, we’ve been pleased to play a quiet supporting role throughout the summer events.Anna Shiers, one of our charity’s Grant Managers, has been a regular volunteer at the weekly lunches lending a hand with practical tasks and sharing information about support services and the funding opportunities CBLC can offer to Chippenham residents.
“When we heard about what was happening in Queens East, we knew this was exactly the kind of grassroots community initiative we wanted to support,” explains Anna. “Our approach has been simple: turn up, help out, and make sure people know about the support we can offer to Chippenham residents and signposting to other support services across the town and in Wiltshire.”
Our charity’s involvement reflects our commitment to community-led change.
“It’s been a privilege to be a small part of this brilliant project and get to know the lovely people who have made it all happen”.
Looking Ahead
With the summer lunches now concluded, the Queens East residents’ panel isn’t slowing down. Plans are already in motion for a Community Fun Day on Saturday 30th August, featuring circus skills, music, activities, games, refreshments, and a quiet area in the hall for those who want a gentler pace. Local organisations, including Green Square Accord, have supported the event, ensuring it promises something for everyone.Louisa emphasises that the aim is to keep opportunities for connection ongoing:
“This has been about creating spaces where people can meet, chat and do things for themselves. The buzz at these events has been amazing – and we’d love to see even more people get involved.”
The hope is to continue Community Lunch & Pantry events through autumn and winter, subject to funding. Residents like Laura and Marian are keen to maintain the momentum: sharing food, exchanging ideas, brightening up the estate and ensuring that Queens East feels like a place where people truly look out for one another.
“It would be nice to keep doing this, meet more people and have it more regularly,” Marian says.
The summer may have ended, but in Queens East, the connections forged over shared lunches, pantry swaps, and friendly conversations are here to stay – proof that a small idea, nurtured by residents and supported by the council and additional funding, can grow into something truly community-changing.
Get Involved: For more information or to help, email communityconversations@wiltshire.gov.uk or contact any member of the resident panel.
Katie Bradbury, Communications Manager, Chippenham Borough Lands Charity
