During the last lockdown we got together and discussed what we could do over the Christmas period to benefit the local community. All sorts of ideas were thrown around, from a raffle to a soup kitchen. Finally, a decision was made that we would put together Christmas hampers and donate them to a local retirement home.
Crown Mews is located in Hungerford directly behind Hungerford Arcade, where Alexanders Tea Room is based. Not wanting to inflict our idea without permission, we got in touch with Yvonne Gillies (the manager for Crown Mews) for her consent to go ahead. She thought it was fantastic and was taken by surprise by the generosity.
Ann Parker from Unit 42P took the above picture of James and Sally and said:
“James and Sally delivering hampers to Crown Mews residents. He and Chez (Cheryl) have enlisted the support of all the local businesses which are used by Alexander’s Tea Room and what a fantastic result. Well done all involved”.
Hungerford is very much a community town and even though Alexanders has only been open for just over six months, we were blown away by the generous response from other local businesses eager to donate to our idea. Also, by the generosity of suppliers & businesses further afield.
All together 9 businesses donated including:
Christian Alba Butchers Hungerford Bookshop Martin & The Magpie Inklings Beechwood Eggs. The Runner Bean Coffee Co, Thatcham. Teapigs Marshalls Bakery, Pewsey The Elephant at The Market, Newbury
I would like to wholeheartedly thank each of those businesses for their contribution and support.
The hamper drop was made on Christmas Eve and all were greatly received by the residents of Crown Mews, Hungerford.
It has been a difficult year for all concerned and the team believed that giving something back to those who have had to shelter during these difficult months was the very least we could do.
Keep Safe & Keep Well
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
James, Cheryl, Sally & Izze
All of us here at Hungerford Arcade send our deepest appreciation to Alexander’s Tea Room, James, Cheryl, Sally and Izze. We are very proud of you all.
Ann Parker from Unit 42P summed up the feeling in the town nicely when she said:
“Although this was a lot of hard work for James and Chez. This is the true Christian side of Christmas and won’t be forgotten.
James and Chez have great relationships within the town and the support they received from so many local businesses just emphasises that they are very important to the Hungerford Community and it’s true spirit of Christmas”.
