Tuesday 20th May saw 120 u3a members, Paws supporters and friends gather in our garden for a quintessentially English afternoon tea on a rather hotter than English day!
The garden was bedecked with gazebos to provide much needed shade and the tables laid with pretty tablecloths and fine bone china cups, saucers and plates. It was reminiscent of a bygone era when afternoon tea would be served in some homes, sadly not mine!
The bar was open and cava flowed while some guests shopped for post Paws fashion show bargains. Others chose to sit in the shade and listen to the excellent musical repertoire of the superb ¨Forever Young¨ who started the afternoon with some slower well known numbers we all knew and could sing along to.
At 3pm afternoon tea was served by a team of charming waitresses who had got acquainted with their table guests and noted any special dietary requirements. A selection of tasty finger sandwiches and home made sausage rolls was served on 3 tier cake stands, all drilled and made in our garage using odd pretty bone china plates!
Pots of English tea or coffee was served plus cava, soft drinks, wine, beer and water, and top ups of food and drink were offered until all guests were satisfied.
A wonderful assortment of home made cakes and scones, jam and cream followed and finally ice creams for those who still had room.
By now the music had become more lively and many took to the dance floor and joined in singing popular favourites.
A raffle was called with 18 super prizes and guests were very generous in buying tickets.
Forever Young played on after 5pm and many were in no rush to leave.
The aim of the afternoon, as well as for everyone to have a lovely time, was to open our home to raise money for 2 organisations close to Chris and my hearts: Paws Xalo dog rescue and u3a Vall del Pop Goodwill charity fundraising team, and we were delighted to raise 2000e which the charities shared.
A huge thank you to everyone who came and supported the event and to the incredible hardworking team who made it all happen beforehand, during and after. We prepared and served 800 sandwiches and a similar number of cakes, washed 400 pieces of bone china by hand, several hundred glasses, put up gazebos, tables and chairs, took them all down and washed endless tablecloths. Not to mention the mega Mercadona shop!
The girls in the kitchen worked tirelessly, as did the whole team, and I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did. Thank you so much for the positive comments and feedback.
If you would like to hear Forever Young again they are playing for the u3a summer party at the Vall de Pop restaurant, Lliber, on 29th June for u3a Vall del Pop members. This promises to be a wonderful evening of great food, drinks included, dancing and fun. There are still places available. Please see website for details.