A celebration of the King’s official birthday took place on Saturday 14th June at G.V. Cafe & Community Hub in Pontrilas village.
With over 50 people in attendance, a full selection of traditional sandwiches, cream tea, beverages, cakes and fruit were provided without cost. Party-goers were also able to enjoy several live-music rock and country selections from Nigel Bell (in his alter-ego Polly). Three cheers for the King saw glasses raised and a hearty ‘hip hip hooray’ exclaimed.
Located in Pontrilas Business Park, the community hub is one of several enterprises of C.A.R.E. Herefordshire CIC. As a community interest company, C.A.R.E.’s mission focuses on connecting people and communities to combat rural loneliness and isolation.
The Cafe facilities, G.V. Fitness Centre as well as Pontrilas Store & Post Office are open throughout the week and over the weekends (including bank holidays!) for people to ‘pop in’, either for a cup of tea and conversation, physical fitness for mental health, or simply purchase necessary household items.
Dementia-friendly lunch clubs are hosted twice a week at G.V. Cafe & Community Hub, and many of these club participants arrived for Saturday’s event to catch up with friends.
A lunch club attendee and local resident, Mo Morgan, explains: ‘We live in Hereford and come to Tuesday lunch club. It’s been great to see friends, and we came to this event because we love Sonya (Cary).’
‘We have come together as a community to celebrate our King. We wish His Royal Highness love, health and happiness from all of our community residents in South Herefordshire! Long Live the King!,’ says Sonya Cary, Director of C.A.R.E. Herefordshire CIC.
Community Engagement Manager, Genevieve Barker adds: ‘From the entire C.A.R.E. Herefordshire team, we are so grateful to our amazing, dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly in preparing for the King’s birthday celebration! Service is at the heart of C.A.R.E., and we owe our gratitude for our first annual King’s High Tea’s success to the support of the South Herefordshire community. Everyone is welcome to our facilities and events. Feel free to come and say hello!’
