A Joyous Celebration of Later Life

Age UK Sutton hosted an Afternoon Tea Dance for older people in Sutton on Sunday 1 October at the Holiday Inn Sutton. The event was a celebration of Older People’s Day and was also part of ‘Silver Sunday’ an annual day of free events and activities for older people across the UK. 

It was a joyous atmosphere at the Hotel’s Junction Restaurant, as over 70 older people, Age UK Sutton staff, and volunteers gathered to enjoy an afternoon of dancing and games, and a sumptuous afternoon tea.

Simon Wales, Deputy Leader of Sutton Council partnered Nicola Upton, CEO of Age UK Sutton to kickstart the festivities with a lovely waltz, before being joined on the dancefloor by dancers of all abilities.  Music and dance tips were provided by Gemma Pollitt, leader of Age UK Sutton’s regular Let’s Dance group. 

“I really enjoyed being part of this fantastic day” said Cllr. Wales. “It was wonderful to see so many people having such a great time, and I look forward to helping Age UK Sutton celebrate later life in the future. I was particularly struck by one guest’s spontaneous speech of thanks at the end of the event, who declared ‘You couldnt want to live in a better place than Sutton’". 

Guests also had the chance to play a Lucky Dip and raffle, with prizes donated by Holiday Inn Sutton, BGL Wealth Limited, Nationwide Sutton, Waitrose Worcester Park and Cafe Nero Sutton among others. 

David Parsons, Sales Manager at Holiday Inn Sutton said: 

“The Holiday Inn Sutton is very pleased to support this fantastic community event, and we are proud that we were part of a day that brought so much joy to so many people. Our team certainly enjoyed themselves, and we plan to continue our partnership with Age UK Sutton, with more events and other activity in the future.” 

The prize for Best-Dressed went to Jean and her partner, whose sequinned dress and spectacularly patterned deep red waistcoat cinched their win, according to judge Simon Wales. The couple won a beautiful hamper courtesy of Asda Sutton. 

Nicola Upton, CEO of Age UK Sutton expressed the charity’s gratitude for the help it received, saying: 

“A massive thank you to the Holiday Inn Sutton for giving us such a lovely venue and the wonderful service from their staff on the day which played a big part in making the day such a success. Our heartfelt thanks as well to Free Cakes Sutton and Tierney’s Catering for their donations which meant we could put on a lovely afternoon tea for guests. 

Finally, thank you to the businesses and organisations that supported us with gifts and prizes that made the day that much more special, and to the staff and volunteers that worked hard to create such a spectacular day for older people.

We would love to continue holding similar events in the future and as a local, independent charity, we are keen on involving the local residents and businesses to do so. Donations of funds, goods or time all make a huge difference, and allow us to make Sutton a better and better place to grow older.”

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If you would like to speak to someone at Age UK Sutton about supporting the charity - whether as an individual or an organisation - email comms@ageuksutton.org.uk