The St Michael’s Hospice Big Tea fundraiser was organised by S&A Group as a chance for students to learn about local fruit farming and taste a selection of Bulgarian gateaux, cakes and sponges.

Nicola Boote, a teaching assistant at Ivington Primary School, said, ‘The children have learned so much about fruit farming. They have seen for themselves how much people work on the farm and all the ways in which we use strawberries. They even had the chance to pick their own and taste them fresh from the plant.

‘Having the chance to meet the S&A staff from Bulgaria and taste their baking made it a very memorable day. Being a Hospice fundraiser, it has given us the chance to talk to the children about St Michael’s which helps the children to understand how important the Hospice is to the local community.’

Jude Norcott from S&A Group said, ‘We are always looking for new ways to engage with the community. The Bulgarian Big Tea for St Michael’s seemed like the perfect opportunity to support our local Hospice and give children the chance to experience a different culture. Our staff prepared an amazing selection of speciality Bulgarian cakes, tea bread and tea. It has been fascinating to see the two cultures join for a very worthwhile cause.’

Paddy Nugent, Community Fundraising Manager at St Michael’s Hospice, said, ‘We would like to say a massive thank you to S&A group for sponsoring the 2015 Big Tea. The campaign is all about putting the kettle on and meeting new people while having fun and sharing tasty treats. S&A is one of the biggest employers in Herefordshire and it’s been wonderful to have a very Eastern European event for St Michael’s.’

If you would like to organise a Big Tea for St Michael’s Hospice, please call Gaynor Warren on 01432 851000.