VILLAGERS in Ropley were treated to a ‘fabulous tea party’ as part of the Getting Communities Together project initiated by Brendan Cox, in memory his wife, murdered MP Jo Cox.

The idea was to hold events that would bring people of all ages together in communities all over the country. According to organisers, “the tea party certainly worked for Ropley”.

Event spokesman Norma Day said: “The hall was beautifully decorated with bunting and the tables were laid with vintage cloths and china making it the perfect venue for afternoon tea.

“And the community responded with great enthusiasm by filling the village hall with people of all ages, from small babies to those in their nineties.”

Children, staff and parents from the village primary school came along to support the event, as did Reverend Clare Welham, Ropley’s new vicar, and members of the parish council.

“Everyone was treated to a magnificent tea of sandwiches, an amazing array of cakes and scones, for which there was no charge as this was an opportunity to offer hospitality without the objective of fundraising,” said Norma.

“The icing on the cake was the entertainment provided by a number of local children, including Archer Wilson, Tom Sandell, Gabriel Wynne, Emma Farrell, Bea Hasslacher and Darcie Wynne, who played a wide variety of musical instruments with a huge amount of expertise.”

Tea parties are held on a regular basis in Ropley as a way of providing an opportunity for everyone to meet up and these are always popular, but it is hoped that after the success of the ‘Fabulous Tea Party’ even more people will be encouraged to join in.