This year for the first time Winchester Rotary held the annual Senior Citizens Tea Party at Weeke Community Centre. Our President Mark Butcher, together with our community team and other members, welcomed 70 guests including their carers. Each table of 8 people was looked after by a table host. It is always a pleasure and privilege to meet so many of our senior citizens. Some we know well from previous years, while others are newcomers. It was also our great pleasure to welcome, as has become customary, the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Sudhakar Achwal and Mayoress Vivian Achwal.
The afternoon began with a warm welcome from the Mayor, and our President Mark, followed by a lively Bingo session led by Giles Peck. Then a fabulous, most generous tea was served, which was provided by Perrins Catering, with contributions from members and friends.
We were treated to a modern jazz dancing demonstration – with a background of lively, much loved music. It was clear many present were almost on their feet to join in. The entertainment continued with a comedian, Mark Turner. The afternoon was brought a very moving close by the local Ukrainian Kalyna Choir, singing some of their very beautiful, haunting, national songs. It was hard to realise that these young ladies, singing so beautifully, were far away from what is left of their war torn homeland.
Finally, the results of various table quizzes and the raffle were announced and prizes given to the winners.
There was so much more to this lovely day than a tea party. The Mayor and Mayoress mingled with the guests, giving their warmth and happiness to our senior citizens in our local community. Our caterers and table hosts, those in the kitchen, car park guides, volunteer drivers, music organisers, entertainers, all gave their time to make the day a happy one for everyone. Organisation and commitment is key – our thanks to NIck Bell and Deborah Macartney.
Later on that evening, after the Senior Citizens Tea Party, Nick Bell received a most gracious and heartwarming letter from the Mayor, thanking Winchester Rotary for inviting himself and the Mayoress to the party. Please click here to see his letter.
For photos click here.
Hampshire Chronicle reporter Chris Atkinson came along – read his article here.
Diana Brooks
