The Royal Wootton Bassett tea party group celebrated its 50th anniversary in early May with a huge gathering and tributes to the gathering's first coordinator, Ann Godfrey.

More than 50 guests, including past and present volunteers, attended the party at Hook Village Hall in Wiltshire. Councillor Pat Farrow, the Mayor of Royal Wootton Bassett, also went along to enjoy the tea and cakes. The group was founded in 1975 by Ann, who sadly died two years ago, aged 82. Sue Young, who was one of the first volunteers, travelled from Torquay to join the celebrations.

Ann’s daughter, Alison Sedgwick, took along with her a long service medal which had been awarded posthumously to her mother by the High Sheriff of Wiltshire. Ann had already received a civic award from Royal Wootton Bassett Council for her service to the community, which included launching a second Re-engage group in Swindon.

Photos and newspaper articles about the tea parties over the years took pride of place on display boards and bunting, tablecloths, cake stands and plates provided by party accessories and tableware company, Talking Tables, added a special touch to the occasion.

Eight older people and six volunteers from the Swindon group joined the celebration, enjoying refreshments, conversation, and even a cryptic quiz about pre-decimal currency. 

Alison Gardner, coordinator of the Re-engage Royal Wootton Bassett tea party group, said: “It was a lovely get together and gave us the opportunity to remember Ann, who was always kind, caring and community-spirited. It would be impossible to count the number of older people in the area who have benefited from the tea parties she organised.”