UMBRELLAS rather than parasols were the order for an afternoon of music, cream teas and Pimms at Lapford for the Turning Tides Project.

This is a group of artists, teachers, dancers, facilitators, enablers and support workers who believe that everyone has the right of equal access to music, the arts and life.

This includes people with labels such as learning disability or autism. Turning Tides is not a commercial venture, any profit goes back into the project. It is about the difference it can make.

On Saturday afternoon, despite the rain with lulls between, the music, the auction, the craft and cakes stall, Ascot hat competition and everything else, it was a great success raising more than £1,000.

Musicians were Jane Williams, saxophone and clarinet and Peter Adcock at the piano. Jane is Turning Tides director.

She said: “The weather was dreadful but plenty of people braved it to join us. Conversation flowed, the music was well received and I really enjoyed playing.

“As well as generous donations from many local attractions and businesses, the auction included several Turning Tides Project commissions - a song, a poem and a painting were all sold.

“A huge thank you to Joy and David for their support and for the use of their beautiful home.

“For us the event was as much about inclusivity and sharing the work of The Turning Tides Project as it was about fundraising.

“It was a big and - given the weather - remarkable success. A lovely afternoon with plenty of laughter. A big thank you to everyone who came for being part of that.”

Anyone who would like to know more about the work of the Project should check its website: www.theturningtidesproject.org.uk .

Sue Read