Summer garden party in Sutton was hot, hot, hot ...
19 July 2016
The 2016 Cats Protection summer garden party was hosted by volunteer Ann Simpson at her sun-drenched Knightswood Close home – and raised £1,800 for the caring-for-cats cause.
Supporters and volunteers manned the usual decked-out stalls – Jenny’s jams, Senga’s plants, Kathy’s tombola, Maureen and John’s cat-themed goodies, Jane and Dave’s tea and home-made cakes, and Lizzie’s bric-a-brac and too many more to mention - and it all happened under clear blue skies – not wet wet wet as last year!
Everyone was a winner with Elaine Darkes – Mum of Adam who comperes the popular pub quizzes – winning a hamper of pet treats donated by Pets-at-Home, while Emma Beach of PaH won the hamper of delicious home-made jams. Two Erdington visitors to the party, both named Margaret, won a pair of theatre tickets to see Wind in the Willows at Sutton Arts Theatre – well, like kittens, CP like to see them go in pairs! And another Margaret/Maggie, who raises money for the charity by promoting sales on e-bay, won a hair-do voucher.
Genial host Ann Simpson wants to thank everyone who contributed to making the event so successful: “This was the first time I’ve hosted a garden party and it’s thanks to all the lovely volunteers for help and support – before and on the day. Must thank all my friends and neighbours too who came along and enjoyed meeting each other – for some that was their first time too!”
“And it was wonderful to be handed a just-giving cheque from Alayne Malkin, who last month set off on a non-stop 145 mile ultra-marathon to raise money for Cats Protection.
“My best friend Isobel turned up trumps too – running around with a tray of cold drinks to ensure all the volunteers stayed hydrated throughout the oh-so-hot day – we didn’t want anyone collapsing!”
Co-ordinator Denise Atkins summed it all up: “A fabulous day and so many people to thank – the supporters and volunteers who set it all up, the muscle power of Gregg Malkin, the people and firms who donated the prizes, and everyone who came along, spent their money and contributed to the great sum raised. We hope now for continuing support for the new Cats Protection shop in Erdington which is opening on the 22nd July.”
** Next fundraising event will be the pub quiz, Digby, on Thursday 11 August. All welcome – details on the website soon.