'˜Disgust' at poor turnout for town's charity event

A pensioner has spoken of her '˜disgust' at the poor public attendance at a free event staged in Horsham on Saturday to raise funds for Age UK.
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Ray Williams, 92, went along with her daughter Collette to a Mother’s Day ‘pamper day’ at the charity’s Lavinia House in Denne Road but said that less than 20 people turned up.

“It’s disgusting,” she said. “I’m ashamed of Horsham. I’m very disappointed in the people of the town.”

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She said a lot of organisation had gone into the pamper day. Many volunteers had given up their time to stage the event and had put in a lot of hard work laying out stalls and preparing food.

Beauticians were on hand throughout the morning to makeover hair, nails, feet and makeup and there was a chance to buy gift vouchers and raffle tickets.

There were also cakes and a selection of gifts from local stallholders.

“These people gave up their valuable time on a Saturday but not even 20 people turned up,” said Ray.

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“The whole of Horsham and outlying districts should be ashamed of themselves.”

Ray, who lives in Orchard Road, has been a member of the Lavinia House club since 2009. She added: “It makes me ashamed to say I am a Horsham person.”

But Age UK fundraising manager Julie Longman said she was pleased that the event made more than £300.

“Age UK Horsham District would like to thank everyone who came along to their Pre-Mother’s Day Pamper Event on Saturday 5th March , and all of the stall holders, therapists, volunteers and staff who made the event possible.

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“We are pleased to report that the event raised just over £340, which will go towards supporting older, vulnerable and isolated people across the Horsham District.

“It would be wonderful to welcome more people to future Age UK Horsham District events and we ask those interested in supporting us to look out for details of our Strictly Vintage Tea Dance coming up on Saturday 16th July 2016.”

Age Uk Horsham District provides many services to ensure older people get the help they need, such as home visiting, and have access to information and advice services.

Many of these services are free and money raised through the pamper day event helps the services to continue in the future.

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Age UK’s home services for older people cover the whole district from Amberley and Bramber in the south to Rudgwick and Rusper in the north.

For more information, visit the Age UK Horsham District website at www.ageuk.or.uk/horshamdistrict

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