On 21st January, we had the pleasure of hosting our sixth afternoon tea at AKS Lytham for members of Just Good Friends.
This year felt especially important because of our War Babies project, which meant our Year 8 students could catch up with the people they had interviewed earlier in the year. It was a joy to watch those conversations happen again. Any nerves the students had had now gone, and the chats felt easy and natural. It was fantastic to see the growth in the students as they connected with the JGF members.
The afternoon itself is funded through our Games Night, an idea first created by a Tycoons group. This event also took a £5 donation for each attendee, which we were able to pass on to Wesley’s Foodbank and Kitchen. Two members of the Wesley’s team joined us on the day and received over £400. Hearing that they cooked ninety-eight meals on Christmas Day, some delivered to members of Just Good Friends, gave the afternoon a real sense of purpose and perspective.
The entertainment was, as always, a highlight. Lila, Jen and Henry performed songs from Les Misérables, accompanied by Mr Hodder, and there were very few dry eyes by the end. The singers received very warm feedback from a superstar of the pop world, a member of one of the most successful girl bands in history, having sold over thirty million records. They were delighted to meet Anne Nolan!
Oliver and Max then took over with a lively round of Name That Tune, which went down a storm, followed by Play Your Cards Right and Prize Bingo. With over eighty people in attendance, including members of our Bring Me Sunshine group, who were a huge help throughout the afternoon, everything ran smoothly and with plenty of laughter along the way.
We are always grateful to colleagues who give up free periods or afternoons off to support these events. Many have helped every single year, and their commitment never goes unnoticed. Steve and Pam from catering also deserve a special mention for providing such a lovely spread and making everyone feel so well looked after.
We are incredibly proud of the relationship we have built with Just Good Friends, and we are already looking forward to what comes next. Keep an eye out for future podcasts and do take the time to listen to our War Babies project, which continues to capture stories that really matter.