The Olive Tree Bistro and Tearooms resounded to gales of laughter as Gloria Hunniford cut the ribbon and announced the official opening! Her Irish brogue rang out true and clear as she uttered the magic words “let’s all have a cup of tea”. Thus followed the most amazing afternoon spread for all with each guest receiving their own tray of delicious assorted sandwiches, home-baked cakes, fruit and pot of tea! The Bistro is famous for its cuisine, and today we can testify that it lived up to its reputation with panache!
Graham Perolls, CMG OBE, the Founder of Hospices of Hope, related how the Pandemic had forced the closure of the former Tearooms – but it had presented the opportunity to refurbish the premises to the magnificent standard it is today. He said: “With the help of supporters and anonymous donors, we have been able to provide this excellent Bistro and Tearooms for our many visitors. This is a great day for the Charity and we are thrilled to have Gloria Hunniford here to officially open the Bistro and Tearooms. Funds raised from this establishment will help Hospices of Hope to continue to provide free hospice care for seriously ill patients in Romania, Serbia, Moldova and Albania”.
Hospices of Hope is using its 30th Pearl Anniversary as a force for good to build on its vital hospice care and comprehensive training services for South East Europe. Much work still needs to be done to both protect and provide for people in needless pain. The Charity believes that everyone affected by life-limiting illnesses should have access to free care and that their families should receive counselling and support. The Charity relies almost entirely on voluntary donations and thanks to the generosity of its supporters has been able to continue its vital work in the region.
