Two south London tea party groups were invited to host one of their free monthly tea parties at the world-famous Imperial War Museum, where guests and their volunteer helpers were welcomed with cake and sandwiches during a two-hour visit.

Re-engage tea party groups are famous for the friendly welcome into hosts’ homes. As Victoria Clarke, one of our coordinators in London, says “We do have the tea parties at a volunteer’s home, which is nice and cosy, but it’s also good to get out to wonderful and interesting venues” .  In October, the group visited the Imperial War Museum where they were welcomed with cake and sandwiches during a two-hour visit.

One of the guests on was 93-year-old widow, Liz, who got married in the nearby St. George’s Cathedral in 1966. “It brought back lovely memories,” she said. “It really was a special day.”

Coordinator Victoria said, “This event was such a success that we’re going to try and find other locations which will make life a little brighter for our older people.

“But if we are to achieve that we desperately need more volunteer drivers. There are a lot of lonely older people in this area and events such as our tea parties do so much to add to their lives.

“So, if you have a few spare hours a month please volunteer. You will gain so much from it because our guests always have such wonderful stories to tell.”

To find volunteer vacancies in your area, please put your postcode into our online map.