All Clouds Have A Silver Lining At The Official Opening Of The Redcot Arms

Dignitaries Open The Residents’ Pub For All To Enjoy

Despite the grey clouds and raindrops falling, at Redcot, the residential care home in Haslemere, Surrey, which is managed by charity Friends of the Elderly, spirits were not dampened as The Redcot Arms was officially opened. The honour of cutting the red ribbon and serving the first drink went to The Mayor of Haslemere, Councillor Jerome Davidson and the internationally renowned, The Folding Lady, Sophie Liard.

Prior to the opening of The Redcot Arms, Sophie presented the charity’s Care Home Director, Cheryl Rothschild with a cheque for a staggering £8,268.10. Sophie raised this extraordinary amount for Friends of the Elderly by conquering this year’s London Marathon, completing the exhausting and exhilarating challenge in six hours.

“It was a really special moment being able to present the cheque to Friends of the Elderly. I’m so grateful to everyone who donated and supported me every step of the way, from training through to crossing the finishing line. I must say, I’m also pretty proud to have finished the Marathon and raised so much for such a worthwhile charity,” said Sophie.

“I’m so very proud of Sophie for taking on the London Marathon on behalf of Friends of the Elderly. I couldn’t be prouder as Sophie is my Niece and for her to do such a fantastic thing for our charity is amazing,” added Cheryl.

Before braving the weather, The Mayor and his wife, Penny, enjoyed a special performance by The Redcot Residents’ Choir who sang ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ and ‘Show Me The Way To Tipperary.” Then, with the grey clouds still floating overhead, the Mayor and Sophie braved the drizzling rain and cut the red ribbon, officially opening The Redcot Arms. 98-year-old Joyce Douglas, who has lived at Redcot for two years, was the first resident to christen the pub, enjoying a delicious glass of fruit punch specially served by Mayor Davidson.