Earlier this year, we received a request from a lovely group of people who were organising a party in memory of their close friend, Julie.

A specialist nurse, she passed away last year – so her friends and colleagues arranged a tea party this August to raise money for the hospice which helped to look after her.

We sent along a few things to help out, and… well, let’s hand you over to Stella, who was one of the organisers.

“I am pleased to be able to report that our tea party was a great success!

“It had poured with rain all day Saturday and throughout the night into Sunday, we awoke to a grey damp day and a garden that had taken a hammering.

“But we had been given this day and we were determined to do our best with it. Even as we set up the clouds continued to dog us, but by 3pm, to the tunes of Henry Hall, the sun began to shine. The bunting and balloons were up and we were ready for action.

“During the two hours we spent together we had a quiz all about tea. The winner was Birdie (seen in the picture in a little polka dot number) holding up her prize of a Yorkshire Teapot. And, if you will excuse the pun, milking the moment!

“We also had guess the number of sweets in the jar, a raffle and an auction. Everyone really enjoyed the afternoon and we raised £350 for The Isabel Hospice at Welwyn Garden City.

We can't take any of the credit – you all did Julie proud!