Donations fall short, but old folk had a ball
MCHG 12-1008 Age Concern staff dress up for the annual Christmas Party at Shendish Manor, Apsley- with Jean McCarthy as Snowman, Sarah Hope as Christmas Fairy, Ron Collins as Father Christmas and Elf Christine Sullivan.
A 98-year-old reveller was the oldest guest at this year’s Christmas party put on by Age UK Dacorum.
There were more than 230 diners at the festive get together held at Apsley’s Shendish Manor on Friday.
Care services manager Sarah Hope said: “It was really, really good. Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves.”
For the first time this year the charity had to buy in extra presents to make sure every guest got a gift from Santa after donations fell short.
Sarah, who thanked donators and volunteers who helped out at the party, said: “Maybe it was because we didn’t put the appeal out early enough. I just think people are strapped for cash this year.”
But donations of money through a Justgiving page and from Councillor Andrew Williams, who pledged funds from his locality budget, meant extra presents could be purchased.
The charity is hosting another two Christmas parties – tomorrow and on December 18 – so donations of gifts are still welcome. They can be dropped off at the charity’s base in Half Moon Yard, High Street, Hemel Hempstead, or call 01442 259049.
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Weather for Hemel Hempstead
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 26 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 29 mph
Wind direction: North
