Isle of Wight community rallies for garden fundraiser in spite of rain!

It's certainly been a summer of unpredictable weather and perhaps you have had plans cancelled or changed due to sudden stormy conditions?

The marvellous community behind Embracing Age Isle of Wight did not let heavy rain dampen their spirits at their recent Vintage Afternoon Tea Garden Party fundraiser, pushing on to enjoy a wonderful afternoon and raising over £3,000! Incredible! 

The money raised will help bring companionship and joy to more care home residents without family and friends or those that are particularly isolated. ​

Isle of Wight Co-ordinator Rebecca Savage spoke about the work and impact of Embracing Age

Rebecca Savage, Isle of Wight Co-ordinator, fills us in on this very special event:

The event was held in the beautiful garden of our Island Champion for Embracing Age, Barbara Sargent, and her husband, Alan. Set overlooking the countryside with sheep in the fields and the most beautiful pond adorned  with ducks and moorhens  who were certainly enjoying the weather more than we were. But despite not being able to enjoy the garden in its full glory, a good time was had by all.

Each person was served an afternoon tea on vintage china including sandwiches, three small cakes, a scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam, and a pot of tea to share. Additionally, Pimms and prosecco were available for a donation from the camper van served by volunteers Steve and Snoopy Dog. All-time favourite songs from the 1940s onwards were sung by our fabulous solo artist, Alan Wood (who unfortunately did not play a full set due to the rain), and mime artist Ivan Rendell also entertained the guests. Luckily a few hats resisted the wind to stay in place long enough for the Best Hat Competition, which was judged by our Ambassador, Lady Sally Grylls. This was followed by our Auction led by our fantastic auctioneer, Andrew, and the raffle with lovely prizes  generously donated.

One of the guests commented, "What a lovely happy party!" and a volunteer helper said afterwards, "I really enjoyed it, what a wonderful event. I'm usually in the kitchen but I really enjoyed waitressing." ​

Mark and Graham from Ryde Tesco Extra with Barbara

Volunteers Marion and Kate (best hat winner) with Auctioneer Andrew

It's always risky thanking people by name for fear of accidentally missing anyone! However, here are a few people we would particularly like to mention: 

• Barbara  & Alan for the use of their beautiful garden and all that it entailed to organise the event.
• Ryde Tesco Extra amazingly donated food to cover all the delicious sandwiches, as well as crisps and salad garnish. 
• A number of Island businesses donated to the generous raffle prizes, which we are so very grateful for in this tough economic climate.
• The star auction lot included a two night stay with breakfast at Haven Hall 5 star hotel in Shanklin generously  donated by owners David & Arielle Barratt.
• Maggie Molyneux, one of the volunteers on our fundraising team baked and donated the cakes and scones, which were delicious.
• Kimberley Jennings donated the use of her beautiful china trios, milk jugs and sugar bowls collection, and Claire Leah donated the use of her beautiful tiered cake stands from her business  Claireskitcheniow.co.uk, all of which made the event look gorgeous.
• True Vine Church and Youth For Christ Team and helpers for lending and erecting the marquee which saved the event from being cancelled due to rain.
• Everyone that volunteered both up to the event, during and afterwards - especially our volunteers who gracefully delivered the tiered cake stands in the rain! You are amazing and we could not have pulled off the event without all of you.

This event could not have happened without the generosity of all those that came together to make it a wonderful event with a very generous amount of money raised for island care home residents. Thank you to everyone that contributed through donating time, skills, use of items such as china and the marquee, gifts for prizes, donations and their attendance at the event. This really is Island community life at its best!

Singer, Alan Wood

Lady Sally Grylls with barmen Snoopy Dog & Steve

Mime Artist, Ivan Rendell

You can find out more about Embracing Age Isle of Wight here. We have lots of different ways to get involved as an individual or an organisation and for a range of time and skills, and we would love to welcome you into the team to bring joy and companionship to more isolated care home residents across the island.   ​