Party time as group gets back together

HEADON Hall in South Stifford played host to the return of a charity's efforts to bring smiles back to local people's faces.

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic Thurrock-based volunteers for the Re-engage charity have been working hard to keep in contact with lonely and vulnerable folk across the borough but over the weekend they were able to come face to face for the first time in 18 months and bring a group back together.

The charity in Thurrock, which used to be called Contact the Elderly has a number of groups of people who it hosts tea parties for so they can come together in friendship.

On Sunday at Headon Hall 'Group One' enjoyed being together again and celebrated its sixth anniversary, as well as the 99th birthday of member Gwen.

Area co-ordinator Loraine Coleman said: "We enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of laughter and enjoying friendship.

"A big thank you to Ira Gill for hosting, Maggie and Lewis for their lovely craft stall raising money for our charity and all our fabulous volunteers for their love and care of all our tea party guests.

"Also thanks to Thurrock Council's Sheltered Housing Manager for allowing us the use of Headon Hall. Without this support we would not have been able to start our tea parties up. We have had their support for many years and we are so very grateful.

"There will be another Re-engage tea party next Sunday. We are back."