Funds raised for Forget Me Not hospice after successful tea party

The event raised a total of £400 for the Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice.

Local dignitaries and faith leaders, including the Dewsbury MP Paula Sherriff, former Mayors of Kirklees, Couns Eric Firth and Paul Kane, and Batley councillor Gwen Lowe, were joined by members of the Minster congregation and the local community at the event on July 31.

A range of food and drinks was provided including cakes, samosas, sandwiches and chocolates.

Local businesses donated raffle prizes and guests were also treated to henna painting and nail art.

The Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice supports children with life-shortening conditions throughout West Yorkshire.

The charity and associated supporters are holding tea parties throughout August to celebrate Yorkshire Day.

Sylvia Turner, who is responsible for the hire of function rooms at the Minster, said: “The event was very good for the hospice and members of the Minster congregation who attended the event said they really enjoyed it.”

Paula Sherriff MP said: “It was an absolute pleasure to attend and support this event which helps raise essential funds for the Forget Me Not hospice.”

Roy Parry, a long-standing volunteer with Forget Me Not, explained that £3.8million is required each year to run the hospice.

He said: “This year has been very difficult as the hospice was closed for a while due to a fire.

“I’d like to thank the organisers for arranging a wonderful event and raising a fabulous amount of money.”

Arif Ahmad, president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association in Spen Valley, added: “Some of my Muslim friends who have lived all their life in Dewsbury have never visited the Minster or any type of church. They were really happy to attend the event and impressed by the Minster – both the building and the team who run it.”