A COFFEE morning for those who have dedicated their lives to the Civil Service was held in Oswestry last week and organisers are hoping it will raise awareness for future events.

The Civil Service Retirement Fellowship (CSRF) met at the home of member Kathy Lunt last week and raised nearly £250 for Hope House.

A spokesman for the group said that members enjoyed a lovely day and enjoyed raising the funds.

They said: “On Tuesday, July 11, a very enjoyable and successful coffee morning was held at the Oswestry home of Kathy Lunt in aid of the Hope House Children's Hospice.

“Around 30 people gathered together to enjoy this social event and raised £245 for the hospice from a raffle, cake stall, games, among others.  

“The event was organised by Kathy on behalf of the Civil Service Retirement Fellowship – Oswestry Group following a talk given by the hospice to the Fellowship earlier this year.”

The spokesman explained the group’s origins and is now also open to all people who are retired and looking to engage socially with others.

They said: “The fellowship was originally a group founded back in 1978 for retired civil servants who would regularly meet at the Queens Hotel (now no longer a hotel) in Leg Street in Oswestry.

“Today, as the group celebrate their 45th anniversary year, it is now open to anyone, both men and women from all walks of life, who are retired, looking for social activity and interested in getting together on the first Tuesday of each month at the Wynnstay Hotel Church Street Oswestry SY11 2SZ.

“This friendly group meet for coffee and to listen to an interesting talk from a speaker for an annual subscription of £10.

“In addition they also hold various luncheons and fundraising events throughout the year.

“At their next meeting, which will be taking place at the Wynnstay Hotel on Tuesday, August 1 at 10.30am a talk will be given by Ruth Allen, who is an ambassador for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People accompanied by her dog Ika.”

Anyone interested is most welcome to come along and join in the fun or contact Ruth Clarke, chairman of the Fellowship on 01691 623380 for more information.