Friday 29th May saw 130 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 Paul and Judy 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, dainty sandwiches and homemade sausage rolls was served first with special platters for the vegetarians and gluten free guests..
Pots of English tea or coffee were 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 homemade cakes and scones, jam and cream followed on 3 tier cake stands, (all drilled and made in our garage using odd pretty bone china plates), and finally ice creams for those who still had room.
By now the music had become more lively and some brave souls took to the dance floor and many joined in singing popular favourites.
A raffle was called with 18 super prizes and guests were very generous in buying tickets.
Paul and Judy entertained until after 5pm and many were in no rush to leave despite the heat.
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 2433e 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 over 1200 sandwiches and a similar number of cakes, washed 500 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. Many of you kindly commented on how attentive the waitresses were, especially in the scorching heat, and they will be thrilled to hear this. 25 fabulous volunteers made the day happen and made it such a success.
We look forward to seeing many of you at our summer party with The Entertainers at Murla on 18th June which is open to everyone (tickets are still available at
We wish everyone a wonderful summer.