“Winter Tea” in aid of The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation - 11th January 2025 organised by Christine Talbot
"Traditionally, for many years, I have held a post-Christmas coffee morning in early January in my home for patients and friends alike. It is an opportunity for people to meet and converse in the gentle confines of a family home, in front of the warmth of an open fire, away from all the cumulative seasonal rigours and anxieties that daily life demands.
Over the years, numbers have grown; in January 2024, we could barely turn around, so a new strategy was required for 2025.
In September 2017, I became an Ambassador for Dorset Cancer Care Foundation, and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, I had hosted two very successful large events; thus, my conscience had been pricked for a while, as Meryl Ponsford, a wonderful Trustee for the charity, had mentioned on several occasions that I might like to organise another event, however small. Here was an opportunity to combine my coffee numbers with an advertised event for a larger gathering in the Village Hall.
Invitations to the event went out before Christmas, so during the festive lull, I had formulated some vision in my head but awoke after New Year with certain internal panic that my ‘last-minute Charlie’ attitude might not suffice to meet the deadline!
Julie Barbary, Trustee, DCCF & Co-Winter Tea Planner
In early January, I met with Julie Barbary, another amazing Trustee, to plan and share our ideas. Over the course of two weeks, the design and presentation ideas, along with the advertising, miraculously came to life, drawing in a multitude of the general public who marvelled at the overall presentation, the variety and array of baking, and the gentility of beverages all served in Bone China.
The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation Choir, under the directorship of Maria Primmer, had recently formed; what a befitting opportunity and crowd draw for the afternoon. The choir was delighted to accept, as this was their second public booking. Their performance made the afternoon, The Icing On The Cake, with everyone joining in. The event raised a staggering total of £1,168.68.
Below is some feedback from two ladies who attended and some background information on the DCCF choir and the charity.
A huge thank you to all for their participation and generosity."
Event organiser and Ambassador for DCCF
What a Delightful Afternoon!
Christine kindly invited me to a winter tea charity afternoon in Stobourgh on Saturday, 11th January.
A wonderful atmosphere with a huge selection of delicious homemade cakes and freshly made teas and coffees served in china cups and saucers.
The afternoon certainly lifted the spirits of many people. It was a really fun afternoon, with not only tea and cakes but also a wonderful choir, who were excellent and had us all singing.
Christine and some of the other trustees for Dorset Cancer gave informative and very moving speeches.
I must say that the afternoon was exactly what I needed during the dreary, cold, and damp month of January, and it was all for such a good cause—supporting Dorset families facing financial struggles due to cancer diagnosis.
What a fantastic event for helping those in need!
Excellent organisation and so much attention to detail and care taken from the decor, including wreaths, table settings, service, speeches, choir and delicious cakes.Simona Skucha
Uplifting and Inspiring!
From the moment I walked through the door, I sensed an atmosphere of care, compassion and fun amongst everyone there.
The tea was delicious and beautifully presented, using fine cups and saucers and delicious homemade delicacies.
The choir were brilliant, and their joy of singing was infectious.
The group that I was with left the event uplifted and inspired. I was delighted to hear how much was raised through people meeting and connecting in such a happy way.
Thank you so much for all the hard work that must have gone into organising the event.
Penny Nicholas
A Most Successful Afternoon!
There was an invitation to attend as a guest or extra volunteer for Dorset Cancer Care, organised by Christine Talbot.
When I arrived, it was evident what level of planning and organisation had gone into this occasion.
The sight of dressed tables, floral decorations, bone china crockery, and elegantly displayed cakes and savouries was incredible.
Loyal followers of Christine's wonderful efforts for this charity swiftly arrived, filling the hall to capacity.
During a collection of talks and entertainment from the charity-connected choir, the guests enjoyed the refreshments and a raffle.
A most successful afternoon was had, and a generous donation was made to the charity.
So much kudos to Christine Talbot for organising the volunteers and orchestrating such a successful and well-spent afternoon.
I look forward to many more.
Gilly Pantlin
About the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation Choir
Along with three friends, Jane Legg, Tina Mereweather, and Tina Edwards, I help to run the newly formed DCCF choir.
We all love to sing, and we want to do some good while doing what we love! We all felt that a choir should not only have us singing but also provide a social environment where people can interact and meet new people—hence the mid-sing tea break!
My mum, Meryl Ponsford, is a Trustee of the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation, and I have attended many of their events. They are transparent as a charity, which was important to all four of us—that our money goes to the people we raise it for. We meet each Wednesday at Discovery Court in Wallisdown. We sing a range of songs from the 1960s right through to more modern ones; there is no audition process, as the aim is to have fun. Christine was very generous in inviting us to the afternoon tea, and it was a wonderful opportunity for us to get out there and perform a few songs as a new choir. Our fabulous choir smashed it!
Maria Primmer
About Dorset Cancer Care Foundation
Three nurses founded DCCF after identifying a gap in care during a patient's cancer diagnosis and treatment. Once the shock sets in, practical elements often come into play. They held a function and raised a lot of money; when asked about the charity they donated to, no one could say how the money had been spent. That was the incentive to start DCCF.
If you are self-employed, you might require assistance in getting to the hospital daily for treatment, fuel for travel, and wigs, among other necessities. Since income can often cease abruptly, DCCF can assist with these practical matters. The government does have PIP or UC, but it often takes months to get grants. Every two weeks, DCCF has an awarding panel of trustees that can make a fairly quick decision on any application. Rent, household bills, mortgage, child care, and all practical worries that you do not need when coping with treatment are covered by DCCF.
I became a Trustee because we are all volunteers, and we pay the same fee for every function we attend. We do not receive any complimentary coffee.
Christine has been treating my lymphoedema and has made a huge difference in my life. Below I shared my thoughts on Christine's treatment with Dave Macdonald of Silver Island TV.
Meryl Ponsford
Trustee, DCCF
READ MORE FROM CHRISTINE TALBOT: CASE STUDIES/ACTIVITIES/INTERVIEWS
