Spanish flavour to community celebration

A church, parish and school raised more than £4,000 at a community event to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the birth of St Teresa of Avila.

More than 150 guests enjoyed an evening of Spanishthemed treats at Great Chart Golf Club, including tapas, wine, a casino and the Pussyfoot band for entertainment.

The waiting staff were all former pupils a t St Teresa’s school in Quantock Drive, Ashford, and r e ma i n parishioners.

They were joined by the Mayor of Ashford, Cllr Geraldine Dyer, who received a cheque for £100 for her own charitable projects in the town.

Organiser Mary Daly said: “Our community is very important and Ashford is brilliant.

“We were sponsored by 25 local companies which is something to be proud of. They have helped us celebrate a powerful story.

“We love the town and we care, so we want to give and support, the evening was a testimony to that.”

St Teresa was born in Avila in Spain in 1515 and is a prominent saint in the country.

Parish priest Fr Michael Lovell and primary school head teacher Bernadette Brown also attended. All 214 pupils have been working on a giant mosaic which is set to be unveiled on Thursday, October 15 for the official anniversary. Parish Priest Fr Michael Lovell with Claudine Bartlett, chair of the school PTA

ABOVE: St Teresa’s School head teacher Bernadette Brown (centre) with former primary school pupils who helped serve food