Event Report: Afternoon Tea Spring 2026
In May 2026 Paws Xaló and the u3a Vall de Pop hosted a quintessentially English Afternoon Tea Party.
Read on for a report and pictures from this fabulous event, and to learn how much was raised for Paws Xaló Dog Rescue and the u3a Goodwill charities!
In late May 2026, more than one hundred u3a members, Paws Xaló supporters and friends gathered in Paula and Chris’s garden for a quintessentially English afternoon tea; on what was a rather hotter-than-English day!
The garden was bedecked with gazebos to provide much-needed shade, and the tables were laid with pretty tablecloths and fine bone china cups, saucers and plates. It was reminiscent of a bygone era!
The bar was open and cava flowed freely.
Some guests chose to start the afternoon by shopping for bargains from stock remaining after the Paws Xaló Fashion Show. Meanwhile others chose to sit in the shade and listen to the excellent musical repertoire of Paul and Judy, who started the afternoon with some slower well known numbers that we all knew and could sing along to.
At 3pm afternoon tea was served by a team of charming waitresses who had got acquainted with their table guests and noted any special dietary requirements. A selection of tasty, dainty sandwiches and homemade sausage rolls was served first, with special platters available for vegetarians and gluten-free guests.
A wonderful assortment of homemade cakes and scones, jam and cream followed on three-tier cake stands, (built in our garage using odd pretty bone china plates), followed by ice cream for those who still had room.
Pots of English tea or coffee were served; as was more cava, soft drinks, wine, beer and water.
Top ups of food and drink were offered until every single one of our valued guests was satisfied!
By now, the music had become more lively and some brave souls took to the dance floor. Many others joined in singing along to popular favourites. A raffle was called with 18 super prizes and guests were very generous in buying tickets.
A Massive Thank You To All!
A huge thank you first to Paula and Chris for opening their home and hosting this event.
Thanks to everyone who came and supported the event and to the incredible hardworking team who made it all happen beforehand, during and after. We prepared and served over 1200 sandwiches and a similar number of cakes, washed 500 pieces of bone china by hand, several hundred glasses, put up gazebos, tables and chairs, took them all down and washed endless tablecloths. Not to mention the mega Mercadona shop!
The girls in the kitchen worked tirelessly, as did the whole team, and I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did. Thank you so much for the positive comments and feedback. Many of you kindly commented on how attentive the waitresses were, especially in the scorching heat, and they will be thrilled to hear this. 25 fabulous volunteers made the day happen and made it such a success.
Another great fundraising success
The aim of the afternoon, as well as for everyone to have a lovely time, was to raise money for 2 organisations close to our hearts: Paws Xaló dog rescue and u3a Vall del Pop Goodwill charity fundraising team. We were delighted to raise €2.433 to be shared between the two charities.
Remember that every single euro Paws Xaló makes goes towards helping dogs in need in the Jalon Valley. Please continue to support the dogs by attending our future events, by popping into our charity shop to find a bargain, by making a donation, or by joining our fun and friendly group of volunteers!
