Homecall afternoon tea

The event was organised by Homecall with the aim of raising 1,000 to fund its home visiting service for sight impaired people in all areas of East Sussex.

A full afternoon tea was enjoyed, with sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and cake with a pot of tea, with music provided by pianist Dennis Williams and singer Juliette Vane, who performed popular show songs and big musical numbers, and David Coates who entertained with ballads, pop, and country and western - "a bit of everything, really".

Auctioneer James Braxton gave a talk which gave colourful insight into his work and experiences filming the BBC shows Bargainhunt and Flog It, as well as house sales, and inside the auction house.

The afternoon also included a raffle of prizes donated by local businesses, such as a meal for two at the Ash Tree Inn at Asburnham, a 15 voucher for Beauty Spot in Cooden Sea Road, tea for two at the Grand Hotel in Eastbourne, and a bouquet of flowers from Casa Dei Fiori, also in Little Common.

Homecall was until last year funded by East Sussex County Council through a charity called East Sussex Vision Care, but this is no longer the case and Homecall has to find money to keep going.

The charity provides a free service, funded entirely by grants, legacies and donations, and through a network of volunteers offers regular visits to clients once a week to help with a variety of needs and requirements.

Most clients are registered blind or partially sighted, so Homecall volunteers are able to help with reading and writing letters, newsletters and books, attending appointments, shopping, day-to-day administration, or an activity such as simply going together for a walk.

Volunteers also help their clients gain access to other services, and give them support to attend clubs and societies or social events.

For further details of Homecall, either as a client or training as a volunteer, contact Jenny Private on 01424 848365.