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Celebrating 40 Years: Our Ruby Anniversary Afternoon Tea
On Wednesday, June 5th, we celebrated our 40th anniversary with a delightful afternoon tea.
Our History
In 1984, a group of local people, all diagnosed with MS, recognised the need for a support service in East Kent. They bravely decided to raise enough money to build and equip a purpose-built Centre and fundraise each year to cover its running costs. After a massive fundraising effort that raised £1.6 million, our current building opened in 2015.
Afternoon Tea
We welcomed 100 guests, including members, family, friends, supporters, donors, and representatives from grants and trusts. Many attendees have been with us since 1984, including Antony Meire, former Chairman of the charity, who gave a speech on the day.
The event was a true community effort. Co-sponsored by Wade Business Solutions and MP Environmental, the tea was organised by our dedicated volunteers on the Event Committee. They baked over 120 scones, made table decorations, and sourced enough china cups, saucers, and plates for all our guests. Students from Canterbury College’s Catering and Hospitality department supported us by baking 400 cakes and serving guests. Guests also enjoyed live music from the Barton Court Grammar School band.
Generous Support
Guests were treated to scones with cream and jam donated by Rodda’s, fresh strawberries from local fruit farmers Mansfield’s, prosecco donated by the Community Champion at Tesco Whitstable, and more cakes and savories baked by our volunteers and members. The Butterfly Garden Tea Parties based in Whitstable kindly loaned us some of their tea sets.
We were delighted to work with The Fifth Trust, another local charity supporting adults with learning disabilities, who provided plant favors for each guest. The plants will all flower in shades of red to match our Ruby Anniversary.
Heidi Coleman, our CEO, said of the event, “What a wonderful afternoon celebrating 40 years of this wonderful charity. It was lovely to bring together so many people who have been part of the history of the Centre, as well as new members, friends, and supporters. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the event, including our event sponsors Wade Business Solutions and MP Environmental. Without the support from our amazing team of volunteers, local businesses, and educational establishments, we would not be able to run such events. Thank you to everyone who attended to help us celebrate such an important milestone for the charity.”
A Testament to Community
Our 40th-anniversary celebration was not just an afternoon tea; it was a heartwarming testament to the power of community, dedication, and support that has sustained us for four decades. Here’s to many more years of making a difference together!
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