Outdoor Macmillan Coffee Morning brings neighbours at Horsham estate together

The Old Millmeads estate Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) held the successful fundraising event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support on Friday, September 4.

Good use of residents’ front lawns and grass verges – which WSCC had helpfully mowed only minutes before – enabled neighbours to safely spread out, relax, and enjoy themselves over coffee, tea and homemade donated cakes.

Martin Bruton, NHW street co-ordinator for the estate, said: “Worthwhile and enjoyable events such as these bring local residents together.

“It also goes to show that NHW is not just about crime prevention but can be the go to source of support for our local communities. Holding events through NHW can also take advantage of the National NHW public liability insurance.”

One of the estate residents and organisers, Jackie Hutchinson, managed to raise £52 with her painted framed watercolour picture of Market Square after it was auctioned instead of being included as a raffle prize due to its quality.

Martin said: “The organisers would like to say thank you to everyone who attended the coffee morning, and to all who donated even when they were unable to attend.

“We had a most enjoyable morning chatting to neighbours over coffee and cake and in doing so we managed to raise over £960 (which will be increased when gift aid is claimed by Macmillan) and there are still donations coming in.

“We were so fortunate to have such good weather and such a positive response from the neighbourhood.

“Our thanks go to Trafalgar Road Baptist Church who lent us all the coffee making equipment, mugs and tables. This made it possible for us to run the morning safely under the present climate.

“Thank you to the team that helped organise and run the event with such energy and generosity and also to the bakers who baked the most delicious cakes.”

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