EX-MEMBERS of the Hereford branch of Arthritis Research UK got together to host a garden tea party to raise much needed funds.

The tea party took place in the gardens of St Ethelbert's, and was attended by Myrtle Middleton, Judith Hereford and Jennie Francis, respectively the ex-chairman, treasurer and secretary of the old Hereford branch of Arthritis Research UK.

The three, among other old members and family and friends of the very successful old branch, raised £494 for the charity, which is the biggest funder of research into the cause, treatment and cure of all forms of arthritis in the UK.

A choir from Hereford Cathedral Junior School entertained the party guests. Regional fundraising manager Anna-Marie Jones spoke of how it is often forgotten that young children are also affected by the debilitating condition of arthritis. She informed the group that in the UK, there are 15,000 children with the condition juvenile idiopathic arthritis (referred to as JIA). Arthritis is too often thought of as an elderly person’s disease but this is not the case.

The old committee are keen to pass on their skills to a new, younger group of volunteers and wanted to spread the word by holding this event. Special guest, the deputy mayor of Hereford, Cllr Charles Nicholls spoke of how he would be interested in supporting a new local group to work with the charity in their fight against arthritis.

If you are interested in coming forward to set up a new branch in Hereford to assist Anna-Marie with fundraising in the area please be in touch on 02920 512438 or email a.jones@arthritisresearchuk.org