Tea party was a grand social eventwhere seniors made new friends...

Hastings and St Leonards Seniors’ Forum Chairman Paul Broadhurst says the event was a great opportunity for older people who can sometimes be subject to loneliness. “This special event provided a lovely social occasion for people on their own to make friends and for members and couples to take along a guest who might enjoy getting out and meeting new people,“ he said.

Representatives of organisations that provide facilities or advice and care for older people gave brief talks, then everyone tucked into a splendid tea of a variety of sandwiches, scones with jam and cream and an array of cakes

Membership secretary Roger Sweetman announced the winners of the 1066 poetry competition. The subject was the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings. Joint first prize winners were Muriel Johns and Anne Whiting and received £37.50 each. Margaret Cornell took third place winning £10.

The winning poems were read by Helen Bird and drew loud applause. Helen and Friends Unlimited entertained with music and songs on a light hearted seaside theme. Hastings featured in some of the sea shanties which ended with everyone joining in Sussex by the Sea.

Forum treasurer Ken Hales conducted the raffle. A great selection of prizes had been donated including a brand new TV. Further details at: www.hssf.org.uk