RESIDENTS from five New Forest care homes joined families and friends for a French-themed afternoon tea that raised hundreds of pounds for charity Parkinson’s UK.
Boldre War Memorial Hall was transformed into a Parisian-style restaurant as the parties from Colten Care and other community organisations sampled homemade patisserie delights.
More than 100 guests listened and danced along to traditional French songs played live on accordion, guitar and double bass by French-costumed New Milton group Café Mondial.
Advance tickets, on-the-door entry and donations helped the event raise £700 for the New Forest Branch of Parkinson’s UK.
Peter Doyle, Colten Care operations manager, who later presented a cheque with the proceeds to a meeting of the Parkinson’s UK branch, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to help put on such a happy, successful occasion for our residents, the Parkinson’s group members and the local community.
“It was great to chat to people who had a good time enjoying the chance to relax, meet friends and listen to very talented musicians at what was an amazing event.”
Residents from fellow Lymington homes, Linden House Court Lodge and Belmore Lodge, plus Kingfishers in New Milton and Woodpeckers in Brockenhurst enjoyed the occasion.
Community guests included members of a French language group in Lymington, set up in relation to the town’s official twinning partnership with Vitré in Brittany.