When we first started to plan AJR’s 80th anniversary we had images of big events with scrumptious food, fabulous music and wonderful friends.
And then came Covid!
Our events all moved online and, although no longer in lockdown, we felt it best to hold our 80th anniversary tea party over Zoom, enabling members from all over the UK, and abroad, to join us from the safety of their own homes.
Guests had the choice of ordering a delicious tea box delivered to their homes to enjoy while watching the celebration. Song sheets were shared to sing-a-long with Sidney Austin. Messages were played from well-known friends such as Lord Pickles, Rob Rinder and Tzipi Hotovely, the Israeli Ambassador.
A special film commissioned in celebration of the 80th anniversary of AJR was premiered, as was a new film of extracts from our Refugee Voices archive. And the event ended with a wonderful rendition of the Merry Widow Waltz by the Koos family. Great fun was had by all. Here are just a few examples of many messages of thanks received:
You and your lovely Team surpassed yourselves this afternoon!
It was clear that much consideration went into this 80 years Celebration Afternoon Tea- thoroughly enjoyed be all- all those years ago, no one knew what that meant, and now everyone felt totally comfortable with what is a typical British Institution. Masterful!
AJR has always’ been there’, not least during these past reminiscently fearful and uncertain 18 months; you all have been Guardian Angels.
The organisation was seamless – the arrival of the ‘afternoon tea’ parcel two days before the event, the introduction, the sing-song, the films, the commentaries and closing words were all so meaningful. A great big ‘Thank You’ to all the organisers. A Tea Party to remember!
