This was a tea party put on by Celia Macintyre, Diane Cuff, Gail Bonella-Foster supported by other members of Shropshire Rural Community Council and lots of enthusiastic volunteers.   It was put on as part of Carers Week – an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring and highlight the challenges carers face and the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.    Most carers carry do their caring out of view and the sacrifices they make are simply not recognised.   Many carers look after loved ones with dementia, it is their dedication that keeps them out of institutional care but they do have to make considerable sacrifices – often unable to leave the cared for, for days on end..

This party was for the carers, most of whom bought the person they cared for with them.  We sang along with the wonderful “Sarah Raymond and Marc Andrews  who make up  “String of Pearls” – and then tried our hand at some Scottish reels watched anxiously by the St John’s Ambulance.   Finally we got to see the Shrewsbury Town Cheerleaders put through their paces.  It was a happy day, the sun shone, everyone had a great time and I won a coconut.

Photo: Smiles at the Carers Tea Dance