Tea Club Quenches Thirst for Unity in Rural Buckinghamshire

St Katharine’s in Parmoor, is the place to be on Tuesday afternoons; for that is where the Hambledon Valley Tea Club meet for friendship, fun and, of course, tea (of the cream variety).
Associate Priest of the Hambledon Valley Team, the Revd Mieke Gaynor, says of the popular club: ‘Before I even get through the door I can hear laughter. It’s a wonderful, joyful weekly event that makes everyone feel about 30 years younger when they’re there.’

The club was started around a decade ago by church members Sue Bryce and Annette Jackson, who first met in the local pub in Fingest, with the aim of giving people in the rural communities of Hambledon Valley a regular chance to get together as a community.

Gillian Jackson recalls that she went along when she and her husband first moved to the area, and was soon being asked to help organize the meetings.

She says: ‘At first I thought it sounded a bit of a commitment agreeing to be there every week, but both my husband and I have found that, like lots of others, we really love it and look forward to it. There are few, if any other regular opportunities to get everyone together.’

Although supported greatly by the church, the club is definitely for anyone in the local villages, and regularly attracts 20 or more people of various ages. Anyone unable to get there, but wanting to attend, has a network of people to call on for lifts. And once there they can look forward to an organized activity such as a speaker, bingo or quiz, a raffle, a cream tea and even occasional outings, as well as a good chat.

Gillian says there is no age limit, up or down, and currently the oldest member is about 98. For some, the club represents their only social activity each week.

Mrs Gaynor says: ‘People in rural areas can become very isolated, especially if they are elderly, or have a mobility problem or a disability. The Tea Club is an opportunity to keep up-to-date and remain part of their communities.

‘Clergy in the Hambledon Valley Team all enjoy visiting the club regularly and joining in the activities. Bishop John visited recently on his Deanery Visits and had a wonderful time taking part in the quiz.

‘I would say that though the church is a backdrop for the club, for Sue, Gillian and Annette the club has definitely been a ministry. They put so much into it and have such a gift for welcoming everyone and lifting the spirits.’

St Katharine’s at Parmoor, Frieth, is a retreat home and conference centre run by the Sue Ryder Prayer Fellowship.