Anna Chaplain and Anna Friends Spring Teas in the People’s Hall Sedbergh

9 May

Written By Western Dales Mission Community

Anna Chaplain and Annas friends decided to organise another afternoon teas with entertainment for the people throughout the Western Dales. The event is free, enabling all who wish to attend the ability to do so.

The 30th April at 2pm was the date and time advertised throughout the dales. Delicious cakes, baked by many Friends and supporters, sandwiches made with various tasty fillings, teas and coffees were all prepared and laid out, tables and chairs set out, all ready for a friendly afternoon.

There were thirty people in the Sedbergh Songsters, conducted by Claire Pope. This choir is a mixture of people with dementia and others who simply enjoy singing together. Around eighty people in all attended, some brought along by partners and friends, some in wheelchairs and others with walking frames. The atmosphere was most friendly and all awaited to see the entertainment.

The afternoon began with a short welcome and opening prayer, given by Revd, Christine Brown the Anna Chaplain. The Sedbergh songsters followed by singing six well-chosen songs, such as ‘Lean on Me,’ ‘Om-pa-pa, Om-pa-pa,’ and others which were beautifully introduced by Claire and sang by the choir.

This was followed by a story by Oscar Wilde, ‘The Selfish Giant’ read by Dr. Janet Skublics. The entertainment continued with the Handbell Ringers of Sedbergh, led by Nicola Crawford, we listened to their distinguished magical sounds, and melodies of some familiar songs such as, ‘We’ll gather Lilacs in the Spring Again’. Next came the familiar poem ‘Warning’ Written by Jenny Joseph which was adapted and read by Revd. Christine Brown. ‘When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple…’ Not quite what was expected but possibly even more funny than the original. The Sedbergh Songsters rounded off the entertainment for the afternoon.

The teas, coffees, sandwiches and cakes were served and enjoyed by all who attended. There was enough food for everyone and very little left over. The afternoon closed with a blessing for the journey of life.

Although there was no cost for those who attended they insisted on making a donation. A donation of £151. 06 was donated to Dementia UK.

Thank you goes to all who supported the afternoon with sandwiches, cakes, entertainment, help and attendance. A big thank you goes to the Sedbergh Songsters and the Handbell Ringers.