Embedded Files
A special afternoon for the over 65's
It was especially lovely to be able to host an in-person event for our Kings and Queens this year after the restrictions of the Covid 19 pandemic prevented us from doing so in 2020 and 2021. We know many people felt extra lonely during this time and it was our hope that this event would allow people to reconnect and have some fun.
It therefore felt fitting that, thanks to the generosity of Andrew and the late Babette Duncan of Art of Living, Cobham and Angus and Wanda Lloyd plus a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund, we were able to push the boat out a bit more than usual.
As in previous years, we partnered with Leatherhead Youth Project to hold this event on 21 May 2022 in a marquee in the park opposite our shop. We offered a sit-down meal, entertainment and each guest left with a gift.
The lunch menu included homemade quiche, ham, cheese and a selection of salads followed by profiteroles and cheese cake. There was tea and homemade cakes later on in the afternoon as well.
The event started with a welcome and a table quiz for over 100 people. Lunch was served at 1.30pm and guests were treated to music from Liz Cole, Charlotte from Freewheelers and The Porters. There was one game of bingo, tea and cake and the afternoon closed with a raffle.
We were blessed with lots of volunteer help during the event (as well as before and afterwards!) and we are so grateful to all of these lovely people for giving up their Saturday to be on hand to support us. A huge thank you goes to the 8 pupils from Therfield School (many of our guests remarked on how cheerful and friendly they were) Richard from St John’s Ambulance, the team from St Andrews Oxshott for helping with the hot drinks, Greg and Kit for the food, Disciples Church for helping set up and with the car park marshalling, David and Carol Stoves on the sound desk, Liz Cole, Charlotte from Freewheelers and Rosemary and Nelson Porter for the music, Colin for the bingo and Kimberley from Move it or Lose it.
We are also very grateful to our raffle prize donors – Denbies Wine Estate, Leatherhead Theatre, Fire and Iron Gallery and Boots.
We were touched to receive a number of thank you cards and letters afterwards and it was lovely to read comments such as
“We had such a good time on Saturday”, “You all did such a great job”, “Thank you for a wonderful time, the food was wonderful the company was great, I thoroughly enjoyed myself” and “Everything you do is very much appreciated.”
We enjoyed ourselves too!
May 2022
Thriving in The Hive
The Hive reopened in its new home in April and we are delighted to share Marion’s latest report.
Running The Hive over the last few months has been a joy for me, in fact it is my dream job, although aspects of it have been a challenge for me as i am not a natural administrator.
I have been blessed by having a wonderful team of volunteers who have helped to bring to life the vision of The Hive. It is a privilege to work with Sam who is such a talented, creative, and practical individual and who is now a good friend. She is invaluable to the day to day running of the space. I am so encouraged to hear testimony from many of the people who visit, they tell me how much the space means to them. Sometimes a listening ear is more helpful than creative expertise. I wanted to share just a couple of things I have witnessed over the last two months.
S came in accompanied by her husband, she was so anxious she was actually trembling. I’ve seen her cry quietly over her sewing because she was having a bad day. In contrast to that I have seen her grow in confidence, she comes in alone, and has gone from being a non sewer to making trousers within weeks!! She laughs and models her clothes and is an absolute joy to be around. She still has bad days but almost always leaves happier.
Another young woman who suffers with severe physical disability caught the community bus yesterday to come to The Hive, her first bus journey alone!! Her mother who has been too anxious to leave her facilitated the journey by booking it. So, I have seen the growth in both mother and daughter in the ‘letting go’.
I am so grateful to be proud to do this job and I hope that I can rise to the challenge to help The Hive to grow and thrive. I am blessed to have a wonderful team and volunteers who support and care for me not only in my work but personally too.
August 2022
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