The Queen's Diamond Jubilee and The Big Lunch 2012

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee on June 3 may still seem like a long way off to many, but one local Wadebridge woman is already preparing to make the event a day to remember.

Harriet Wild, 24, is urging local residents in Wadebridge to rally together and get involved in The Big Jubilee Lunch 2012 following the success of last year's event.

The annual event from the Eden Project and funded by the Big Lottery Fund, encourages the nation to have lunch with their neighbours. The shared meal may take the form of a traditional street party or a picnic lunch in small or larger groups.

It's the fourth year The Big Lunch has been held, and this year it falls on the Queen's special day.

In recognition of this fact, the Queen has written to all the organisers of the event, Harriet included, with a message of support.

On Buckingham Palace headed paper, the full text of The Queen's message reads:

"I am delighted that the organisers of The Big Lunch are helping people from across the United Kingdom and further afield to hold Big Jubilee Lunches as part of the celebrations to mark my Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

"I send my very best wishes to you and all of those who will be present for what I hope will be a most memorable and enjoyable event."

It is signed Elizabeth R.

In 2010, Harriet organised Wadebridge's first Big Lunch in Molesworth Street, and an impressive 1,000 local people came along. Word of the day's success spread rapidly within the community and last year's lunch on June 5 welcomed more than 1,800 people to the festivities.

Though Harriet was instrumental in promoting and organising the day, last summer's Big Lunch was a real community effort. Numerous local primary schools, as well as Scouts, Rainbows and Guides groups got involved to make the day a triumph for the local area.

"There are so many groups and individuals that helped to make the day special, and I'd like to thank them all," said Harriet.

"The Molesworth Arms local pub put on a hog roast, Wadebridge Community Primary School designed a table cloth, Trelawney's provided tables, the Royal Cornwall Show provided us with 300 chairs and Barnecutts, the local bakery, made us a huge cake that took centre stage on the day," she added.

"I can't wait to get stuck into the plans for our 2012 Jubilee Lunch.

"I really want to use it as an opportunity to remind us all of our local history and maintain our Cornish pride.

"We've got something really special in this town, and need to do everything we can to keep on communicating together, whether it's as a family, school, business or community – The Big Lunch is the perfect way to do that."

For more information on The Big Lunch in Wadebridge you can contact Harriet direct by e-mail: harry_wild@hotmail.co.uk