It was especially lovely to be able to host an in-person event for our Kings and Queens this year after the restrictions of the Covid 19 pandemic prevented us from doing so in 2020 and 2021. We know many people felt extra lonely during this time and it was our hope that this event would allow people to reconnect and have some fun.
It therefore felt fitting that, thanks to the generosity of Andrew and the late Babette Duncan of Art of Living, Cobham and Angus and Wanda Lloyd plus a grant from The National Lottery Community Fund, we were able to push the boat out a bit more than usual.
As in previous years, we partnered with Leatherhead Youth Project to hold this event on 21 May 2022 in a marquee in the park opposite our shop. We offered a sit-down meal, entertainment and each guest left with a gift.
The lunch menu included homemade quiche, ham, cheese and a selection of salads followed by profiteroles and cheese cake. There was tea and homemade cakes later on in the afternoon as well.
The event started with a welcome and a table quiz for over 100 people. Lunch was served at 1.30pm and guests were treated to music from Liz Cole, Charlotte from Freewheelers and The Porters. There was one game of bingo, tea and cake and the afternoon closed with a raffle.
We were blessed with lots of volunteer help during the event (as well as before and afterwards!) and we are so grateful to all of these lovely people for giving up their Saturday to be on hand to support us. A huge thank you goes to the 8 pupils from Therfield School (many of our guests remarked on how cheerful and friendly they were) Richard from St John’s Ambulance, the team from St Andrews Oxshott for helping with the hot drinks, Greg and Kit for the food, Disciples Church for helping set up and with the car park marshalling, David and Carol Stoves on the sound desk, Liz Cole, Charlotte from Freewheelers and Rosemary and Nelson Porter for the music, Colin for the bingo and Kimberley from Move it or Lose it.
We are also very grateful to our raffle prize donors – Denbies Wine Estate, Leatherhead Theatre, Fire and Iron Gallery and Boots.
We were touched to receive a number of thank you cards and letters afterwards and it was lovely to read comments such as “We had such a good time on Saturday”, “You all did such a great job”, “Thank you for a wonderful time, the food was wonderful the company was great, I thoroughly enjoyed myself” and “Everything you do is very much appreciated.”
We enjoyed ourselves too!
