“We are so lucky to live in a Parish that cares so much about us and who put on events like this”.
Saturday 9th September 2023 saw another fabulous, free event for over 60s in the community of Haydon Wick. The afternoon tea organised by Haydon Wick Parish Council was part of the Council’s Community Choices initiative where ideas are chosen and voted upon by the residents in the parish to deliver projects throughout the financial year. For the second year running, the community chose to focus on reducing loneliness and isolation in the parish, and this event did just that!
The afternoon tea was hosted in the Parish Council Offices on Thames Avenue and saw around 30 wonderful attendees join in for a fabulous afternoon. There were some faces which the staff recognised from the Council’s fabulous Haydon Wick Haven (every other Monday from 11.00am – 1.00pm) and the valuable Community Bus (daily service with subsidised fares), it also welcomed some new faces. The Council is looking forward to welcoming them back for more exciting activities and events which they have to offer.
The beautifully decorated room was set up with vintage chinaware and table clothes. There was lots of lovely food available, from sandwiches, to cream cakes and freshly prepared scones with clotted cream, jam and fresh fruit. It was satisfying to hear snippets of the conversations shared between old and new friends, of lovely stories about passed loved ones, childhood memories, upcoming trips and funny tales of past experiences. Some of the lovely quotes from attendees were as follows:
“We don’t want to leave; we’ve had such a lovely time.”
“We have put the world to rights today, we’ve spoken about everything.”
“We are so lucky to live in a Parish that cares so much about us and who put on events like this.”
As always, the event was well supported by Councillors and other wonderful volunteers, who helped to set up, pack away and look after our residents. The Council is proud to see the impact these events are having on this targeted community. They are helping with their mental health and wellbeing simply by giving them a change of scenery for the afternoon, offering tasty cakes and lovely company for a good old fashioned chin wag!
Councillor Rebecca Ross, Chair of the Community Development Committee at Haydon Wick Parish Council had this to say about the event:
“What a wonderful time was had by everyone who came to the Over 60’s tea on Saturday. This is always a popular event and is aimed at reducing isolation and loneliness in the older generation, so it was great to see everyone chatting and enjoying themselves. A huge thank you to everyone who helped with the event. The food as always was superb!”
Councillor Paul Park said these words about the event: “I was completely blown away with the work everyone had put in before we even showed up! And I am truly grateful to have such amazing people working for the parish”.
To keep up to date with upcoming events and news from Haydon Wick Parish Council, visit our website and follow us on social media. Alternatively, subscribe to the Council’s monthly news bulletin using the following link: https://haydonwick.gov.uk/latest-news/.
