To commemorate 100 years of British Women’s Suffrage, Copthorne Tara recently organised a special afternoon tea at the Kensington Town Hall for 400 senior residents from charity organisation, The Kensington and Chelsea Forum for Older Residents.

The British Women’s Suffrage was a national movement in the United Kingdom to fight for women’s right to vote. The origins of the suffrage movement began as early as the mid-nineteenth century, and succeeded through two laws passed in 1918 and 1928, before finally granting all women the right to vote.

The event was a treat for the seniors, as the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is home to a large number of elderly, many of whom are isolated. The seniors enjoyed an afternoon tea, with clips from suffragette films being screened. Over 50 volunteers from the local Royal Air Force Cadets, Volunteer Police Cadets and Scouts organisations, local businesses, and individuals, befriended the seniors.

The Metropolitan Police Choir, made up of serving and retired officers and police staff, put up a song performance to entertain the seniors. To add a touch of luxury and sparkle to the traditional afternoon tea, Copthorne Tara also treated the guests to sparkling wine during cake time. The seniors also got to take home gift bags specially prepared by local businesses such as Whole Foods UK.

VIPs from the area of Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea also attended, including Kensington Councillor Ms Marie-Therese Rossi, politician Lady Victoria Borwick, as well as Representative Deputy Lieutenant Lady Elizabeth Arnold.