Return of popular tea dance in aid of Age UK

Over the last two years the event, which has attracted guests of all ages and dancing abilities dressed in fabulous fashions of the era, has grown in popularity.

It is hoped that this year’s event will again attract a broad audience who will be treated to a wonderful afternoon of 1940’s and 1950’s music and a delicious afternoon tea served on vintage china.

Dance tunes will be provided by the Ron Green Big Band and there will be entertainment during their interval.

Julie Longman, Fundraising Manager for Age UK Horsham District said: “Last year the Tea Dance raised over £2,000 to help support our work with older people across the Horsham District and we are really hoping that this year we can raise even more – it would be great to sell-out!”

The event is being organised by Age UK Horsham District’s fundraising team and one of their wonderful volunteers Sue Noye, along with many other helpers.

Julie added: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Dark Star Foundation, the charitable arm of the Partridge Green brewery, who have provided funds to cover the majority of the costs of the Tea Dance, we are very grateful to them for enabling us to run this popular event once again.

“Other local businesses are supporting the event by donating raffle prizes or their services for free, and our thanks also go to all of these.”

Tickets are on sale now please call 01403 751304 or pop in to Age UK Horsham District’s Lavinia House premises, which are in Dukes Square, Horsham – just behind the Drill Hall – to secure yours. They expect tickets to sell fast so don’t delay.

The money raised by the event will go towards funding the free services Age UK Horsham District offers that support older people in the local area with the aims of tackling loneliness and social isolation, improving access to services and financial support and generally helping older people to love later life.

An example of one of the services that this event will support is the charity’s Information and Advice service, a one-stop-shop that provides help with understanding allowances and benefits and/or help with completing claim forms – last year this vital service alone helped nearly 500 people in the Horsham District and enabled over £1 million in benefits to be claimed by those entitled to them.

This service can make the vital difference between someone being able to access enough money to eat well and heat their home; or live in poverty and potentially lose their home and their independence. This service costs approximately £55,000 to provide and relies on fundraising and donations to continue.

If you would like to show your support Age UK Horsham District would welcome raffle prizes and donations towards this, their future events and charitable services, please do get in touch to discuss.

If you would like to help at this event or perhaps have an idea for an event you would like to run yourself to support them please contact the fundraising team on 01403 751304 or [email protected]

Alternatively see details about their events on their Facebook page www.facebook.com/AgeUKHorshamDistrict or follow them on twitter @AgeUKHorshamD