Senior citizen afternoon tea goes down a treat in Tilehurst

It might have been 'Blue Monday', but sixth form students at Little Heath School managed to make more than 75 senior residents smile with tea and cakes.

Sixth formers worked hard to prepare the event on Monday, January 16, and were supported by Year 9 food and nutrition students, who made made scones, quiches and cakes for guests to enjoy.

Senior residents travelled from all over Tilehurst and the surrounding communities.

School staff and a large number of local businesses donated items for the raffle.

Guests were also treated to musical performances by the school's soul choir and pianist, Cerys, and a poem written by Year 13 student, Lazlo, titled Remember.

Plus, a visit from the Mad Hatter and Alice in Wonderland, games of bingo and even dancing.

"It was a real success and we had some lovely comments from the guests as they left," said a school spokesperson.

All the leftover, unopened food was donated to the local food bank after the event.

The school looks forward to welcoming the guests back next year.

Staff and pupils would like to extend their thanks to all the following businesses who supported the occasion: Warings Bakery (£10 voucher); Lemon Plaice (two meals); Paul Francis (shampoo and conditioner set); Mad Hatters (voucher); Dunelm (hamper); The Village Florist (£10 voucher) Co-op (biscuits and chocolates); Boots (cosmetics bags); Hotel Chocolat (selection box); Starbucks (free coffee); PR Motors (free MOT); Cobbs Farm Shop (two cakes); Cozze (£30 meal voucher); The Cunning Man (free meal for two); Berkshire Meat Traders (£40 voucher); Waitrose (food hamper); The Fox and Hounds, Theale (free meal for two); Englefield Garden Centre (£20 voucher); John Lewis (Molton Brown set); Avacado Properties (afternoon tea hamper); Parkers Estate Agents (cadbury and wine hamper) and Crumbs Catering (afternoon tea box voucher).