KIND-hearted staff from a dale builders merchants, who handed out 270 gift bags to members of Teesdale Day Clubs before Christmas, had the tables turned on them last week when they were served a tasty treat to say thank you.
Alison Thackray and Dawn Hutchinson, who both work at S&A Builders Merchants, based on Harmire Enterprise Park, in Barnard Castle, were treated to a three course meal at Cotherstone Day Club to say thank you for the festive gifts.
Ms Thackray, who is purchasing officer at S&A, organised a numbers draw at the depot with customers paying £1 to enter.
Prizes were provided by the company’s suppliers and all the money raised, along with generous donations, paid for the gift bags and goodies inside.
The gift bags contained a variety of food stuffs and goodies and were delivered to the ten day clubs across Teesdale as well to one in Crook. Ms Thackray said the response they have subsequently received has stunned them.
She said: “I’ve had so many people ringing up to say thank you and Dawn actually had one lady crying she was so touched.
“It’s quite ironic as I got the idea of doing the numbers draw, which paid for the gift bags, from the Fox and Hounds, in Cotherstone, when they used to run it.”
Michael Carr, who runs Cotherstone and Stainton day clubs, said: “We just wanted to say thank you.
“Our members were really appreciative of the gifts. We thought a lunch invitation was probably the best way to do that.”
Peter Wood, chairman of Teesdale Day Clubs, added: “The gesture was much appreciated by our members and they enjoyed meeting some different people and spending time with them.”
There are ten day clubs across Teesdale, each meeting on different days.
Mr Wood added at present there are some vacancies at some of the clubs and urged people to get in touch with the office for more information.
Anyone who is interested in joining their local day club can contact 01833 695822.
He added: “We do have a number of vacancies at the moment, though one of our clubs does have a waiting list. And if anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer to help we’d also love to hear from them.”
