Garden Party 2010

Clowning Around at SHARE's Annual Garden Party

We held our annual garden party on Thursday 10th June with over 200 guests, including the new Deputy Mayors of Wandsworth and Lambeth as well as Jane Ellison, the MP for Battersea. This year, our theme was Circus, so guests were entertained by a 10ft clown, while everyone had the chance to learn some hula hooping and plate spinning skills!

The day kicked off with some words from our Chair, Bec Emmott; Cllr Jenny Nickels, the Deputy Mayor of Wandsworth; Cllr Christiana Valcarcel, the Deputy Mayor of Lambeth; Jane Ellison, the newly appointed MP for Battersea; and Mr Indrajit Patel and Mr Pravin Pattni of the Tooting business Network. Our guests praised us for our work training disabled people and for being a valuable resource to the community. Special mention was made for our horticulture team, who provided a beautiful venue for the party, and also provide plant arrangements for the Tooting Business Network, helping them to beautify the Upper Tooting Road.

A delicious Indian lunch was provided by the Khalsa Centre, courtesy of the Tooting Business Network, and was enjoyed by everyone. The day was then brought to a close with the Prize Draw, which was drawn by Cllr Jenny Nickels. Prizes were donated by friends of SHARE, including Whole Foods Market and Recipease in Clapham Junction; the Gurkhas Diner in Balham; the National Trust property, Polesden Lacey; and award winning artist David Blandy.

Annie McDowall, Chief Executive, praised staff, students and sponsors for organising such a spectacular event and said "We extend a warm invitation to anyone who feels they could benefit from learning with SHARE. We currently have opportunities for people wanting to learn horticulture, ICT, life skills, food and hygiene, and basic skills."