Hundreds gather for party at the Heath
AROUND 200 residents from Halton attended a tea party at The Heath Business and Technical Park to commemorate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The event was part of site owner SOG Group’s community programme aimed at combating loneliness and isolation for the elderly and those who live alone.
Eileen Miller, The Heath’s site charter and community manager, said: “We entertained around 200 people including carers who accompanied some of our guests.
“Most of our guests are over 50, though many are in their 70s and 80s, with our eldest attendee Doreen Russell who is a spritely 93-years-old.
“We also reserved two tables for younger people who are linked with M-Power, one of our resident businesses on The Heath, which offer assistance to people with learning, physical or sensory impairments.”
The Jubilee tea party was adapted from Eat@TheHeath lunches for local residents.
Guests who attended were treated to afternoon tea with
Bucks Fizz and non-alcoholic drinks and entertained by singer Lainey with lots of patriotic songs.
The Heath’s events hall was decorated for the occasion with many of those attending wearing red, white or blue for the 70th anniversary celebration.
The Eat@TheHeath programme, a platform for local people to meet up on a weekly basis, is sponsored by SOG Group.
As well as the monthly lunches and music sessions, there are also weekly gatherings with community forums on topical subjects and a chance to engage with the local Police Community Support officers who have an office at The Heath.
SOG has even bought a minibus to provide free transport for any elderly people who cannot get to the site under their own steam.
The weekly gatherings are organised by Eileen and Alison Albion from The Heath’s Community Team along with The Heath and Beechwood Police Community Support
Officers, Louise Croft and Tracey Taylor.
A number of SOG volunteers also support Eat@TheHeath by serving food, cleaning up after events and driving the minibus.
SOG boss John Lewis MBE said: “Although first and foremost The Heath is a place for business, over the years we have a built a reputation for engaging with our community by allowing our facilities to be enjoyed by local residents, young and elderly.
“It’s something that I believe sets us apart from other business parks where we are able to stage a wide range of events and functions which generate a genuine community spirit here.
“Among the many events we organise for local people, our Eat@TheHeath lunches have become immensely popular.
“It was therefore appropriate for us to adapt our latest event to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and give local people a chance to join a very special celebration that underpins The Heath’s commitment to our community.”