‘It made a very nice change’: Winchester tenants join annual tea party event
An annual tea party event to help prevent loneliness among older Winchester City Council tenants, including residents of sheltered housing schemes, has been hailed a success by attendees.
The tea party, which took place on 25 October at St Peters Church Hall in Bishops Waltham, was attended by 50 older tenants from Bishop's Waltham, Wickham, and Swanmore.
Attendees were treated to a performance by Vintage Entertainer Dawn Gracie, a variety of '50s and '60s music and a raffle that raised £129 towards the Mayor of Winchester’s charities.
Residents shared their thoughts with staff at the event, with one attendee stating that it made “a very nice change”.
The daughter of another resident hailed the event as a “great afternoon”, adding that there was a “great social side for those living alone – mum really enjoyed it”
The annual event is organised by a small team of four Winchester tenants, led by tenant and Vice Chair of the Tenants and Councils Together (TACT) tenants’ forum, Monica Gill.
Support was also provided by Winchester City Council’s Sheltered Housing Team and the council’s property services contractor, Osborne.
The first tea party took place in 2017 and has been held in locations across the district, including Winchester, Alresford, Twyford and Bishops Waltham funded by Osborne, Tesco and independent businesses along with contributions from Winchester City Council.
Cabinet Member for Housing Cllr Chris Westwood, who also attended the event, said:
"Loneliness can be a big problem for many older people, and events like this are just what's needed.
“The tea party organised by Monica and her colleagues was great fun, and Winchester City Council was delighted to support this wonderful afternoon"
