Friday 25 June 2010

Cumbria Garden Open raises over £2800 for Independent Age


Above, L to R: Sandra Tate, Area Manager Kay White, and David Tate


The gardens of Garth House in Brampton, Cumbria were opened by kind permission of Sandra and David Tate MBE, on Sunday 20 June in aid of Independent Age.

Over 400 people visited the outstanding gardens surrounding the beautiful late-Georgian red sandstone house, experiencing firsthand the dazzling array of different styles, including a sunken formal garden, a woodland walk, a wildlife pond, a Japanese garden and even a Zen garden. Independent Age volunteers were at hand to offer tea and refreshments.



Above, L to R: Valerie Johnson, Margaret Sutcliffe, Kay White, Penny Kretzschmar, Jill Faux, and Jean Garnett

Kay White, Independent Age Area Manager for the North East and Cumbria and organiser of the event, said: "The garden has a reputation in the region, so people came from all over Cumbria to see it. The setting was absolutely idyllic and we were blessed with a beautiful sunny day. I am thrilled that the event helped to raise so much for Independent Age and we are extremely grateful to our hosts and to everyone who worked so hard to make the day go so smoothly.

Friday 11 June 2010

"Home again in one piece, no injuries, and yes, I made it!"

Congratulations to Sally Hough of Tavistock, Devon, who successfully completed the challenge of cycling 1,100 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats in aid of Independent Age. "Just because you're a pensioner doesn't mean life stops," said Sally of her challenge. "I love being outdoors. There are so many rules in other sports that you have to abide by, but with cycling you can just be free." Sally's cycle resulted in her covering a total of 1087.6 miles in 90.25 hours, over 16 days.

"My favourite day was cycling through the Yorkshire Dales into Cumbria with a particularly challenging climb via Dent Station and stunning scenery," says Sally, who raised over £500 for Independent Age. "One thing is for sure," she continues,"I shall keep cycling, even though the hills round here are frequent and steep."

Wednesday 9 June 2010

Beneficiary-Organised Coffee Morning, Brampton,Cumbria


On May 15, a group of our beneficiaries in Cumbria held their annual coffee morning fundraiser, which is always a lot of fun for all who participate. Mary Glover, one of the event's organisers, wrote this report of the event for the local paper:
"We had smiles and laughter all the way for our annual coffee morning on Saturday. Our volunteers gave their support as always. Doris Watson (pictured far right, next to Area Manager Kay White) served refreshments while Sandy MacCrea-Stewart (pictured second from left) sold almost everything on her white elephant stall.

"On Mary Glover's (pictured third from left) stall there was a range of homemade cakes, jams and chutneys, plus a double chocolate torte made by Sandy. Elizabeth Pender organised the raffle prizes which numbered more than 20 and included luxury toiletries, chocolates and biscuits, stationery and wines.

"£177.72 was raised for Independent Age, and thanks go to all who assisted and gave their time and efforts, and to our many visitors."