Lots Of Memories Shared In The Cosy Vintage Tea Room

Published on: 12 May, 2014
Updated on: 12 May, 2014

There was plenty of tea and cake and lots of memories being shared at the Cosy Vintage Tea Room on Wednesday last week.

Called Tea and Memories, the tea room is a new venture, surprisingly it is not in Guildford town centre, and what’s more it’s free!

Peta Hayden serves cake with, from left, Joyce Byrne, Sarah McDonald

Seen from left: Jean Mussell, Peta Hayden from Lockwood serving cake, Joyce Byrne, Lockwood’s Sarah McDonald, and local historian Carol Brown.

It can be found at the Lockwood Community Support Services centre at Slyfield, and is aimed at older people who would like an afternoon out in a comfortable and welcoming environment. A place to relax, make new friends, share memories and, if they wish, take part in a variety of activities, over a pot of tea and cakes.

It is accessible for wheelchair users and transport to and from can be arranged at pre arranged pick up points.

Last week, people from a local residential home and a local church group were brought there in mini buses driven by Peta Hayden and Sarah McDonald of the Lockwood centre, and whose idea it has been to set up the tea room.

It was a bit of a special day as the visitors also enjoyed the Respect Drama and Rhythmic Collision Dance Group’s delightful production of a drama called Grandma’s War, set during the Second World War.

People enjoying Tea and Memories at the Cosy Tea Room at Slyfield Green.

Afterwards, over tea, they had time to share their own stories and memories of the 1940s. On hand was local historian Carol Brown, who brought along a suitcase full of wartime memorabilia – that included original ration books, a piece of silk parachute, period magazines and even a gas mask!

Carol enjoyed chatting to them, and those articles certainly provoked lots tales from the home front.

Sarah McDonald said: “We are very friendly here and people love coming along. We all have a great time. We hope the tea room will catch on and welcome anyone. We also have a vacant shed outside and a garden. If a group of men would like to come and make it their own – like the Men in a Shed projects that are starting up – do get in touch.”

Local groups and organisations can book an afternoon at Tea and Memories by calling Sarah McDonald on 01483 532502.

Lockwood Community Support Services is at 9-13 Westfield Road, Slyfield Industrial Estate, Guildford GU1 1RR.