Back in November 2024, FAiR launched our first monthly Saturday Social ‘Tilling, Tea and Cake’.
The monthly event (every 3rd Saturday) provides an opportunity to meet up with friends, meet new friends and members of the community in a social setting over a cup of tea, coffee plus a selection of cakes and savouries.
In addition, ‘Health and Wellness’ advice is provided by the VCSE community, professional organisations and a local GP – Dr Sarah Jacques, who is developing Sussex Outreach Support (SOS).
This approach is proving to be popular and has been welcomed by regular and new attendees, as well as community organisations who have support to offer.
CEO Chris Pollard recently spoke with some of the attendees, volunteers and guest speakers at August’s event and here is what they wanted to share (all quotes verifiable):
Four regular attendees from Bexhill, St Leonards, Brede, and Tilling Green said:
Mel : ‘It’s so open, people are so friendly especially the organisers, Chris and Miriam. You just feel welcome as soon as you walk through the door.’
Peter: ‘I come along for the companionship. When you are on your own, you need to make contact with people, and the cake!’
Pauline: ‘It’s fantastic – I come along because I like the information provided and knowing there is a GP present each month.’
Tony: ‘Very useful to us. CAB1066 provided contacts to reliable insulation companies. Since when, we now have the cavity walls and loft insulated.’
Two FAiR Volunteers also shared their experiences of the Tilling, Tea and Cake events:
Sarah -Jane: ‘I’m new to volunteering, just moved to Rye, so I felt it would be a good way to integrate myself into a kind and caring community. My friend Cherlene is a volunteer – I was made so welcome.’
Cherlene: ‘I love volunteering for FAiR and I love to give something back to the community and to see everyone’s happy faces when they meet and greet each other. It really gives me great pleasure and it is such a lovely cause’
And finally – guest speaker Ricky Perrins of ‘Possibility People
“What an amazing community networking event you have built! As I said to you, Absolutely smashed it !!! I spent 3 hours surrounded by local heroes, community activators, and people who are benefiting from the work you and your team are doing”
There is no doubt that the care and attention paid when preparing and decorating the rooms, our ‘Meeter and Greeter’ Miriam offering a warm welcome, setting up an information point, providing quality food and drinks and ensuring each attendee is made to feel special is appreciated.
We would also like to give our huge thanks for the delicious cakes and savouries provided by Kate at Haydens (each month) and occasionally also the Cornish Bakery and Jempsons. Their support is special and is a fine example of the kindness and generosity of local businesses in Rye.
Other news:
Our new ‘Companionship Calls’ service, providing telephone befriending support has just had its ‘soft’ launch. There is still a way to go with being fully ready to receive formal referrals, but this service is now a step closer to helping isolated residents in Rother to get up and chatting on the service. Huge thanks to Kathy Crowther – our Community Volunteer Training coordinator for developing this service. If you would like to contact Kathy about volunteering for this service, or any of our other volunteer roles, please email: volunteering@fair.org.uk
The befriending service is not the only service that FAiR is developing to support local community members. Watch out for another announcement next month, which will benefit people living with a Cancer diagnosis and their families and carers.
In the meantime, join us for our next monthly ‘Tilling, Tea and Cake’ – Saturday Sept 21st 10-12pm at Tilling Green Community Centre.
For more information contact:
Chris@fair.org.uk / Tel 01797 458832 or check out our website: www.fair.org.uk
