Fathers were the toast of the country yesterday, when around the island, various organisations and dining establishments offered special luncheons in their honour.The third Sunday of every June, which is celebrated as Father’s Day, is one looked forward to by most men, but for those eating Sunday lunch at the Salvation Army, it was regarded as just “another day”.However, the Kiwanis Club of Barbados Central, who host lunch there every third Sunday, did their best to make those awaiting lunch feel most welcome on their special day.The gathering was mostly men and about five women, who were happy to dine on plates laden with macaroni pie, rice and peas, fried chicken, lamb stew and salad, and a cold glass of mauby.President Designate Letitia St John, said they catered to over 100 people, with increasing numbers over the past few months. She noted that while most of the funds came from their pockets, the organisation was grateful to Chickmont which provided chicken for them every month, and to Hill Supermarket for the rice.President Eddie Burnett said the Salvation Army had been feeding the poor and needy for over ten years.He along with other male hosts Glenville Clarke, Nigel Lucas, Ricky Mapp and David Leacock, said although they had obligations to their families at home, they were dedicated to this particular Sunday and looked forward to it every month.Over at Kensington Oval, nearly 600 people gathered for the St Mary’s Church’s annual luncheon. Usually held on Mother’s Day, this year it was postponed because of cricket, and so the fathers were the toast of the event on this occasion.Under the theme Celebrating Families, heads of households came out with their wives, children, mothers and fathers to celebrate the day.Prime Minister David Thompson was specially invited, but extended his apologies for not being able to attend the function.Among those attending the luncheon was Bishop John Holder, his wife Betty and son Stuart, and Senator Irene Sandiford-Garner, her father Randall who is a devout St Mary’s worshipper, and the rest of her family.
