13 October 2017

Please note: this news article is in our archive. Articles were correct at time of publication, but should not be relied on for accuracy after the passage of time.

Mid Sussex District Council and Sir Nicholas Soames MP invited older people from around the District to join them for Afternoon Tea and Musical Entertainment on Sunday 8 October 2017.

Hosted at Meridian Hall in East Grinstead, the event was part of the annual Silver Sunday celebrations, a day of fun and free activities for older people across the UK.

Sir Nicholas and his guests were supported by young volunteers from local Guide and Scout troops, alongside representatives from Mid Sussex District Council, Haywards Heath Town Council, East Grinstead Town Council and Sussex Police.

Entertainment was provided by Charlotte Weller, a 19-year-old graduate of the world famous Brit School, who delighted the crowd by performing pop hits and show tunes from famous musicals.

Charlotte was followed by Marco Seymour, a talented magician who performed close-up tricks for the guests at their tables and captivated the audience with his unique blend of magic and comedy.

The event was closed by the Sackville Instrumentalists, a wonderful group of students who study music at the nearby Sackville School. The Instrumentalists performed some classic pop songs that included a unique rendition of Elvis Presley’s ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love With You’ on the ukulele.

“Silver Sunday is a wonderful initiative that helps older people all over the UK to enjoy a free afternoon out and meet other people from their local area,” said Councillor Norman Webster, Cabinet Member for Community. “I would like to personally thank all the volunteers who have given up their time and the sponsors who have provided financial support because we really couldn’t have hosted this special day without them.”

“The first Silver Sunday event was launched by The Sir Simon Milton Foundation and Councillor Christabel Flight in 2012 and in the last five years it has grown into a significant national event,” said Councillor Jonathan Ash-Edwards, Cabinet Member for Resources and Economic Growth. “This year we have played our part in helping Silver Sunday grow by offering a grant of £250 to local voluntary groups that wanted to stage an event for Silver Sunday. The take up has been tremendous and we now have 11 new Silver Sunday events taking place throughout Mid Sussex this October.”