The saying goes there’s no such thing as a free lunch.

But you can definitely get a free dinner – as a peaceful group wants East Hampshire to get together round the table in a show of community spirit.

The kind offer has been made by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in East Hampshire with the Get Together Dinner taking place at the Alton Assembly Rooms on Saturday, September 14.

Diners who accept the kind invitation will be treated to a three-course meal with Indian food being on the menu.

The event has been organised as a response to the riots which recently swept the country with Cllr Adeel Shah and his friends keen to show the UK “what unity, community cohesion and community spirit” really is.

Ahmadiyya Free Food Alton
The advert for the September 14 event at Alton Assembly Rooms (Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK)

He said: “The purpose is to meet for dinner and to get to know one another and to share the wonderful things we do locally.

“It would be great if you join us on this evening.”

Places can be secured through a link with the get-together dinner taking place from 6pm to 8pm at the High Street venue so it coincides with free parking in the area.

To book a place look for ‘get together dinner amaukeh” at www.ticketssource.co.uk

Meanwhile, Cllr Shah and his colleagues also wanted to publicly thank staff at Alton station for their help in facilitating visitors to the massive Jalsa Salana event in East Worldham.

Adeel Shah Alton station jalsa salana
Cllr Adeel Shah and Alton station staff (Adeel Shah)

The respect was mutual with station staff praising the “organised and helpful” Ahmadiyya volunteers who directed passengers.

* The custodians of the Assembly Rooms are keen to get Altonians in the party mood as they’re already making plans for the festive season.

Be a Dancing Queen on November 30 as Ultimate Abba Tribute Sweden are coming to town while Dementia-Friendly Alton have lined up a Motown night for December 7.