January 30 2020

More than 100 people affected by dementia were guests of honour at Alzheimer's Support's fifth annual Gala Dinner this week.

The event is a highlight of the year at the charity when staff arrange a free grand night out for the people they support.

It took place once again in the beautiful surroundings of Wellington Barn near Calne, where everyone was served a three-course meal and had the chance to have a commemorative photograph.  

Organiser and Head of Registered Services Sally Haddrell-Jenks said: "This is our way of saying thank you to the people we support. Many of those who use our services do not often get the chance to put their glad rags on for a nice night out so we want to give them the opportunity to do that at least once a year.

"We could not run this event without the generosity of apetito who donate all the food and lend us a kitchen team for the night. We also have fantastic support from Wellington Barn who are very generous hosts and from so many friends of the charity who act as table hosts."

Queuing up to volunteer

She added: "It says so much about our organisation that our staff practically queue up to volunteer to wait on the tables or help out in the kitchen."

One of those who helped out was Volunteer Coordinator Annie Clayton. She said: "It was a truly magical night. I managed to have some lovely chats with people and the sentiment was the same. Everyone having a wonderful time, enjoying food, company and the unique ambiance that is our Gala Night."

Guests were seated in tables each hosted by the mayor of a Wiltshire towns, or an Alzheimer's Support trustee or patron.

Everyone was invited to have a free commemorative photograph of themselves at the evening, taken by Head of Day Care Grant Newton. 

  

 

More Gala Dinner photographs