The Filipino Women’s Association-UK (FWA-UK) organised a mini gathering of friends coming from the young and not so young generation to assist the Support the Senior Citizens of the Community project. This afternoon tea was held at the Royal Festival Hall on a cloudy, windy Saturday the 10th of March 2018 . The friends of the FWA-UK occupied a corner table in the bar area of Skylon Restaurant overlooking the Thames River.
The exchange of chit chat, giggles and laughter in between snacks of vegetarian Arancini, an Italian stuffed rice balls filled with mozzarella, and peas, coated with bread crumbs and then deep fried was a welcoming delight. Some ordered. chips, artichoke salads, with hot and cold drinks including cheesecakes and chocolate tarts for the sweet tooth.
It was a cosy, casual get together where the elderly ‘amigo y amigas’ of the FWA-UK were just pleased to see each other for a catch-up and hang out with friends they haven’t seen for a while as well as meeting new friends. The ‘hot topic’ of the day concerned health issues; why take blood pressure pills, best diet for people with arthritis, memory loss, hip and knee replacement and the like.
When it was time to get everyone’s attention, Jeannette Thomson (FWA-UK Chairman) thanked everyone who came and supported the first activity of the year hosted by the Association. As everyone listened intently, Jeannette reiterated that this project was very close to her heart and that her elderly mother is her inspiration for launching this project. Whilst in the UK she would like to keep on fundraising and organising activities supporting the elderly, especially the vulnerable and those living on their own who may find themselves lonely at times.
Everyone agreed that a simple afternoon gathering with the seniors enhances the camaraderie between the elders and the younger generation. Jeannette also informed everyone that when she initiated a fundraising campaign for the elderly support the Association received a pledge from the London Trust. Hence, Jeannette asked the permission of the ladies for their photos to be featured when she updates the London Trust Foundation and other social media platforms.
Everyone gave their ‘thumbs up.’
It was nearly a good four and a half hours of sharing information and life experiences, networking, invitations to other activities, joining other FWA-UK fundraising events were discussed. It was an afternoon of fun where everyone was looking forward to the next support the senior citizens activity. The other pleasant surprise was that FWA-UK received a £30 cheque donation from Barbara Solon to go to the FWA-UK support the senior citizens fund. 
