MP joins 'Silver Sunday' tea party in Hassocks

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert was guest at a special tea party in Hassocks on Sunday (8 October).

The event was held as part of ‘Silver Sunday’, a nationwide initiative providing a day of free events to encourage older residents to go out and meet new people.  The programme was launched in 2012 by the Sir Simon Milton Foundation after a report discovered that more than a third of people over the age of 75 are lonely.

The Hassocks event was organised by Mid Sussex District Councillor Michelle Binks and Jill Marsh from Age Concern Hassocks.  The District Council provided a £250 grant towards the day.

Mr Herbert joined over 100 guests who enjoyed an afternoon tea and entertainment.  Music was provided by Georgia Keenleyside and her band from Hurstpierpoint College and by Richard Ratcliffe.

Councillor Michelle Binks said: “Our first Silver Sunday had a fantatsic turnout and was a lovely event for people to meet and chat over tea and homemade cake.  I am very grateful to Jill Marsh and John Rose for their support in organising the afternoon.”

Nick Herbert thanked the organisers of the event and the volunteers who had made it possible.  He said: “The Silver Sunday celebration was a happy event which brought people together.  I think that everyone really enjoyed the afternoon and a delicious tea.”

ENDS

Notes

   1.     Photograph 1 – Left to Right, Cllr Michelle Binks, John Rose, Chairman of Hassocks Age Concern, Nick Herbert MP, Jill Marsh, Day Centre Manager for Hassocks Age Concern.

   2.     Photograph 2 – Nick Herbert with Silver Sunday guests.

   3.     To find out more about Silver Sunday see www.silversunday.org.uk