Jennifer Hodge has been honoured for her efforts
Jennifer Hodge (centre) has been celebrated for her weekly efforts volunteering at the same Royal Voluntary Service lunch club she first joined almost 50 years ago(Image: royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk)
A village’s lunch club volunteer with almost 50 years service under her belt has been celebrated for her unstinting efforts for others. Jennifer Hodge, 92, has been volunteering every week for the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) lunch club, in Cottingham, since 1977.
In that time, she has served lunch to over 110,000 diners, seating approximately 45 people each week. Her remarkable dedication to the community has recently been recognised by Cottingham Parish Council, which bestowed both the Neighbourhood Champion Volunteer Award and a Special Recognition Award on Jennifer.
The lunch club stalwart said: “Volunteering at the lunch club in Cottingham gives me a regular structure and helps me to get out of the house each week. It’s definitely one of the reasons I’ve been able to stay active for so long.”
Nearly five decades since she first joined, Jennifer remains a familiar and much-loved part of the club, helping to bring local people together over food and friendship. Despite some recent health issues, she has no plans to hang up her volunteering apron anytime soon.
The wider Cottingham RVS team also picked up the Active Community Award. Jennifer has received RVS long service awards throughout her volunteering journey, as well as a Platinum Champions Award as part of an official Royal Jubilee awards programme in 2022.
Jennifer, the club’s volunteer co-ordinator, said: “Volunteering has had such a big part to play in my life for the last five decades. I’ve been able to meet so many people and the sense of companionship you get from helping others is incredible.
“I’d recommend volunteering to anyone. It makes such a huge difference to your own life, as well as the lives of the people you are able to support.”
The RVS lunch club in Cottingham brings local people together in a friendly and welcoming space every Friday for a two-course dinner, followed by warm drink, a raffle and entertainment. Run by volunteers, the club provides an important social setting for people looking to stay connected within their local community.
Founded in 1948, the Cottingham lunch club has remained a valued part of the local community for generations, and Jennifer’s almost 50 years of service reflect the importance of organisations that can stand alongside volunteers for the long term, supporting both those who give their time and those who rely on the club’s companionship and care. Thanks to support from Postcode Lottery players, RVS is able to deliver lunch clubs like the one in Cottingham and across Britain, where people can enjoy good food and good company, while building friendships and reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Laura Chow, head of charities at Postcode Lottery, said: “Small moments like a shared meal or a friendly conversation can make a real impact on someone’s wellbeing. Thanks to Postcode Lottery players, Royal Voluntary Service can run lunch clubs like the one in Cottingham, helping more people access welcoming spaces where they can socialise and be part of their community.”
Jennifer remains one of the oldest and longest serving volunteers involved with RVS locally. Those inspired by Jennifer’s story can explore local volunteering opportunities that make a real difference by visiting GoVo.org.
Those interested in dining at the Cottingham lunch club can visit the Royal Voluntary Service website.
Did you know you can make Hull Live a preferred source of Hull news in Google, which will mean you get more of our breaking news, exclusives, and must-read stories straight away? Here’s more information about what this means and how to do it – you can also do it straight away by clicking here .