Afternoon Tea

On Wednesday we hosted the second community led afternoon tea. This time at St Annes Community Centre. What a great time we had together, and how lovely it was to see people sharing how much they’d enjoyed it on the Facebook group.

It really is a community affair. Women from Make it Mine, the Tuesday morning womens art group, had made some of the bunting and half a dozen of the cake stands.

Local people had donated many of the plates that were used and it made some really happy to see china that had belonged to their parents recycled and used by the community.

Care was taken to get the room ready the night before with Gill, Sandra, Brenda, Lisa and Angela dressing the room whilst Sam did the big shop for the food. The bunting had been put up in the morning by women at Make it Mine. We covered the chairs with covers and bows, thanks to support from Phyll Cullen and the Brighter Boroughs monies.

The afternoon started with sandwiches, cake, tea and coffee, made by Sam and served by Sonia, Sandra, Lisa, Gill and Angela.

Some guests brought along an alcoholic beverage or two. Alan entertained us with music we could tap our feet too, and Alex stole the show with his Elvis dance moves.

We had a break for two games of bingo which Lawrence hosted in his own unique and much loved style, with small prizes for both winners and the biggest losers. There was a chance too to buy some raffle tickets.

Then it was back to some serious dancing as the dance floor filled for the last part of the act.

Before we finished Alex helped draw the raffle.

In total the day cost £293.95. We spent £133.95 on food, £150 on entertainment and £10 on prizes. We raised £144 from ticket sales and £103 from the raffle. So the afternoon cost £46.95 more than we earned. We are able with cash support from Gill and Angela, at Northern Heart and Soul, to contribute to keeping these events as accessible as possible. The next one will probably take place at the end of September with ticket price remaining at £3. If anyone wants to pay more they are welcome to do so. A good number of people said they’d be happy to pay £5 for a ticket, so there’ll be a donation box at the next one.

Thanks to all at St Annes for gifting the use of the hall and to Mervyn for helping with the washing up (under the close supervision of Sandra!)