TWO ladies lunch clubs held in aid of the Ayrshire Hospice joined forces last week to raise vital funds for the local charity.

The highly anticipated afternoon tea – which had been sold out since June – was a brilliant success and a fantastic day was had by those who attended.

The “Ladies Who Lunch” club of North Ayrshire and “Ladies Lunch Club” of South Ayrshire work hard all year round to raise funds in aid of the local hospice and decided to come together to make the biggest difference. The event took place in the beautiful new Firth Pavilion function suite at Seamill Hydro Hotel with over 270 guests in attendance.

The ladies arrived and were treated to a glass of fizz and then had the chance to browse some of the beautiful stalls on offer whilst taking in the stunning views. A wonderful afternoon tea was then served. As if that wasn’t enough, the audience enjoyed a demonstration by Sheila Chalmers of Cunninghame Flower Club, a gin cocktail demonstration by John Gibb of Seamill Hydro Hotel and an entertaining fashion promenade courtesy of M&Co Irvine.

An incredible total of over £4,000 was raised from the day which was a wonderful result.

Lyn Bateman, Senior Fundraising Officer at the Ayrshire Hospice said “The committees of both lunch clubs work tirelessly all year round and go ‘above and beyond’ with their excellent fundraising. They are always coming up with new ideas and we are so lucky at the hospice to have such dedicated volunteer fundraisers. Thank you to everyone who made the afternoon such a success, from the ladies lunch club committees, attendees, volunteers, stall holders, Sheila Chalmers of Cunninghame Flower Club, M&Co Irvine, John Gibb and all the staff at Seamill Hydro Hotel.”