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Findhorn Village Centre sends afternoon tea to 107 residents on VE Day 75


By Garry McCartney

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The boxes before delivery from the Captain's Table.
The boxes before delivery from the Captain's Table.

MORE than 100 local villagers enjoyed a special delivery as part of the VE Day 75 celebrations.

Using a grant from the Scottish Government's 'Supporting the Communities Fund' administered by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), the Findhorn Village Centre charity bought and delivered afternoon tea to 107 residents aged over 70 and/or shielding or isolating during the coronavirus lockdown.

Cathy Low helped deliver the goodies with the help of fellow villagers Timothy and Sue Finnegan, Susan Hermiston, Janet Wallace, Sheila Rendall, Pippa, Taylor and John Low.

She said: "During an over-the-fence conversation on how we could use some of the funding to bring a smile to those isolating or in the vulnerable category, Janet’s question ‘how can we do a VE afternoon tea party?’ kicked off planning our VE 75 afternoon tea party boxes.

"We worked through our options and came up with delivering them, after working with local businesses to source ingredients and identify those who met the criteria.

"We hope we reached everyone but if not we apologise, they must look younger than 70! Also, due to short time frame, we were not in a position to identify specific dietary needs."

Findhorn boatyard-based bistro, The Captain's Table, made sandwiches, sausage rolls and scones for the boxes sourced by Maclean's Highland Bakery, Forres.

Findhorn Village Stores helped source ingredients and identify recipients.

Volunteers also used The Captain's Table to make up the boxes whilst adhering to social distancing and hygiene requirements.

Each parcel contained a sandwich, sausage roll, scone, Maclean’s fruit loaf, and strawberry, cream cupcakes baked by Ms Wallace.

The goodies inside the box.
The goodies inside the box.

Cathy said: "Everyone involved in the deliveries said it was a joy as the reaction from recipients were amazing. After seven weeks of lockdown and limited social contact, the VE boxes provided an opportunity to say hello and make contact with older residents on their doorsteps (from the appropriate distance)."

She added: "There were tears, smiles, laughter and amazing VE Day stories. One resident said she was five-years-old when VE day occurred. She was allowed to party in the afternoon but was packed off to bed early to let the adults dance in the evening.

"Hearing those stories and memories as well as the warm grateful responses was very rewarding.

"We've had feedback from relatives to say their parents were tickled pink with their boxes. Thank you cards, letters, emails and texts have come in - the theme being how much the boxes brought back sentimental memories and a feeling of joy. Mission accomplished!"

Olive Stephen was delighted with her gift.
Olive Stephen was delighted with her gift.
Margaret and Bill Ogilvie with their VE Day box.
Margaret and Bill Ogilvie with their VE Day box.

This week, thanks to the Supporting Community Fund, Findhorn Village Centre will be delivering soup and sweet to around 38 residents in the Findhorn area who are isolating and/or over 70.

Anyone who knows of someone in the village who would benefit from delivery can contact Cathy on 07977920010.

The fund also allows volunteers to provide food parcels for those in the area who are struggling during lockdown. For help, call Cathy on the same number. All enquiries will be treated in confidence.

Fiona Robb, head of strengthening communities for HIE in Moray, said: "The Village Centre, and other local community groups, are doing an amazing job of delivering vital support to families, children and the vulnerable in the area. The response has been fantastic."



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