Super Strictly Vintage a success for second year

During the interval guests were treated to a delicious afternoon tea on vintage china served by ‘Splendid Occasions’ with music during the break provided by Kerry Le Bern

‘The Lady sings’ and saxophonist Dave Funnell together forming ‘Jazz a Deux’ – guests so enjoyed this interlude that many continued to dance!

One guest said: “I used to come to the Black- out dances at the Drill Hall many years ago- and it’s been lovely to have a dance again today- the Drill Hall is a wonderful venue and with the vintage china and cake stands- the way you have decorated the place has created an atmosphere of that time.”

Community Fundraiser Angie De Ath said: “The Strictly Vintage Tea Dance has proved in its second year to be a great success and is now very firmly on the dancing map of Horsham! We have already booked the date of Saturday 26th June for 2016 and hope that our guests will return next year to have another wonderful afternoon of dancing and to support our charity. In the meantime we are holding our Summer Fayre on Saturday 1st August , 10-2pm at Lavinia House in Horsham - an afternoon of Traditional fayre games and stalls and of course to view our fabulous elephants before they go on the ‘ Elephantastic’ tour! I would encourage the local community to come along to find out more about our charity and to see for themselves how the money raised from such events is spent.”

Janice Leeming Chief Executive of Age UK Horsham District compered for the day and thanked the Horsham Business community, including local brewery ‘Dark Star’ who sponsored the event, for being integral to its success.

Janice said: “Saturday was a wonderful experience- a real community day. Our guests had made a real effort with their dress, and the dancers, from beginners to the more experienced were amazing! The music – from the Legionnaire’s Dance band and Kerry Le Bern/ Jazz a Deux was of a really high standard and I feel very privileged to have been involved in what I can only describe as a smile inducing day! It was lovely to see so many happy faces and to hear glowing feedback-one guest told me that they had been looking forward to Strictly Vintage all year! I would like to give my special thanks to our sponsor Dark Star and to our volunteer organisers and their amazing teams of helpers- including the waitresses from Splendid Occasions who provided a wonderful service all afternoon.”

The event, organised by volunteers Dee Childs, Sue Noye and Community Fundraiser Angie De Ath, with many other Age UK Horsham District staff and volunteers providing support, was a huge success and raised £1500 for the local charity’s work in the community.

Other supporters included Leaders Letting agents who helped market the event and a host of local companies who donated cakes for the day and items to the raffle including, Pretty Things, Hello Flowers, Sainsbury’s and Truffles to name just a few.

The money raised goes towards funding the free services Age UK Horsham District offer across the district to support local older people, such as home visiting and our Information & Advice service.

The Information and Advice Service unlocked well over £1million in unclaimed benefits for the older people of Horsham District last year to help them remain independent and in their own homes.This service alone cost £55,000 to provide last year and relies on fundraising and donations to continue.

If you would like to make a donation or help the charity fundraise please contact Angie De Ath on 01403 751329 or 07538017413 [email protected]

Report and picture contributed by Age UK Horsham District.