Cowbit OAPs enjoy a lovely afternoon

Cowbit senior citizens enjoyed a summer afternoon tea and garden party thanks to the generosity of the village community.

The free party was hosted by husband and wife team Marian and Andrew Gaylor in the garden of their home in Stonegate and was entirely volunteer-run, while the performing Holbeach town band was sponsored by two local businesses – Andrew's Oakleigh Home Improvements, and Bates and Elliott kitchen fitters.

Marian said: "The idea was to give something back to older members of the community.

"It was really fun to do and lovely to see people enjoying themselves outdoors. So many older people are house-bound and lonely.

"To get them out in the sunshine was a real pleasure to do. The feedback was fantastic and the band were great.

"I was inspired to do a garden party in the summer for the older folk after the church held a Christmas party, which I thought was a great idea.

"We used all the tables and chairs from the village hall and volunteers helped my husband to move them."

The Cowbit social events committee thank all who helped, and a big thank-you went to all of the villagers who baked and donated cakes.

A special mention to Colin Foxwell of Cowbit Village Stores who donated items like tea, coffee, milk and sugar; and to Sharron Lister who donated pork pies, which Marian said were "wonderful".

She added: "It was amazing the number of volunteers who did cake-baking for the day. I was able to donate leftovers to the church coffee morning on the Tuesday.

"It was really successful: we had about 27 guests in the garden, plus helpers and about 20 members of the band."