In the early 1970s Marcia Mynett would help at tea parties organised by her then boyfriend’s parents. More than 40 years later she became a guest herself.

Marcia remembered: “I wasn’t even 30 then, and it never occurred to me I would one day be attending as an older person. When you’re younger you never think that far ahead do you?

“But I’m so glad I’m going to them now. They are such wonderful events and the volunteers are absolutely marvellous.” 

Marcia’s early involvement with tea parties began when she started seeing Ian Forder, whose parents, Stephen and Eileen, hosted the social occasions at their spacious bungalow in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire.

Marcia, 83, who now attends the Enfield and Southgate tea parties, organised by coordinator Stephanie Hutchings, explained: “Stephen made fabulous sponge cakes and Eileen had a beautiful set of china.“Their home was huge and they had a long garden we used to stroll around. They really were grand occasions. Ian would bring the guests from London – Pimlico, Marylebone, all over – and they were so delighted to be away from their drab flats. They couldn’t believe they were being taken somewhere so lovely. There was always so much food, the ladies just couldn’t get over it.

“I’m not sure why the guests came from so far away but they weren’t worried. It was a brilliant day out for them.”

Marcia, who was a single mum, sometimes took her son along and would serve tea, chat to the guests and then help take them back home. She explained: “I loved seeing the older ladies. Some of them were Cockneys and Ian’s parents were quite well to-do, but they all got on really well. They were special times.”

Marcia helped at the tea parties for over a decade before she and Ian split up, although they still keep in touch and exchange Christmas cards. She joined the Enfield and Southgate group when she was 75.

“We are so lucky to have Stephanie and the other volunteers,” added Marcia. “We go to the cinema and pantomime and have quiz nights. And if a host can’t make one week Steph will step in and make us a roast lunch. She deserves a medal.”

Ian Forder, who also hosted tea parties for many years, said: “My parents loved the company and the guests who came loved the great spread they always got. By the time they went home they couldn’t eat any more! We used to collect the older ladies from London and the idea was to give them a day out as well as have a nice tea. They all lived on their own so they really enjoyed getting together and having a great time.”