'Cuppa and a Chat' was established in collaboration with Vistry Partnerships earlier this year.
The aim was to provide a way for Aylesbury residents to keep in touch with neighbours and friends despite lockdown restrictions. After months of meeting online, we were delighted to finally meet up with 25 members of the group in real life for a summer picnic.
Former resident, Moussa, a teacher and master craftsman of West African instruments, accompanied by his brother, provided some wonderful music so it didn’t take long before many were up dancing to the music!
One resident said, “Many thanks…for all your hard work putting a lovely event together for us. We truly appreciate and loved every bit of it.” Another was pleased to see the joy it created: “It was good to see all the ladies up dancing to the music which was great, and the children happily decorating their canvas bags.”
Rosalyn Springer, Resident Involvement Programme Manager, who co-organised and hosted the picnic said, “Following delays due to the pandemic and despite some challenging weather conditions on the day, it was wonderful to come together at last. It goes to show, where there is a will there’s a way and the ingredients for a successful gathering truly are good company, energy, food and music.”
Sarah Okae, Resident Liaison Manager at Vistry Partnerships said “It was an honour to put on this event alongside Notting Hill Genesis. To see the many happy and excited faces was great. It was wonderful to see everyone together.”
We will continue to hold ‘Cuppa and a Chat’ online for now but we are making plans for these to become ‘in person’ events. Harry Mathews, who regularly attends and is also Chair of the Thurlow Lodge Tenants and Residents Association, has this message for those who may like to get involved: “Aylesbury is a community and Cuppa and a Chat is the spirit of the community, so join in and feel the spirit!” Email aylesbury@nhg.org.uk or call Rosalyn on 07920 466133 to find out more.
