A MUCH-LOVED Evesham eaterie has lent its support to the town’s Shopmobility’s fund-raising drive to keep its doors open.
Raphael’s at Hampton Ferry has agreed to dedicate all its popular Easter events to the charity, which has had to make urgent repairs to its automatic doors after almost 20 years of constant use.
The popular restaurant and attraction was spurred into action after the charity revealed it was literally struggling to keep the doors open and pay for the repairs to keep the vital service open for business.
Former Mayor of Evesham Diana Raphael said: “We always like to support a local charity and we know how valuable Evesham Shopmobility is both to residents and visitors, who need help getting around.
“So we were delighted to be able to offer this help.”
Among the Easter events planned for Raphael’s restaurant this year are the popular tea party on Good Friday (April 19), with a talk by Diana about the history of the ferry, a snail race on the Saturday evening and an Easter Monday fair with a host of attractions including the Easter Bunny, an Easter egg hunt, stalls, games and lots more.
The charity has been on the top floor of the Riverside Shopping Centre car park since 2000 and is managed by local trustees, with a manager and deputies. It provides wheelchairs, power chairs and mobility scooters for members and visitors.
Shopmobility’s chair of trustees Liz Griffin told the Observer: “We have had the doors mended, as the safety of our members and staff is paramount, but it’s made a big hole in our bank balance and we are struggling to get back on track.
“We are an independent, locally-run charity and determined to maintain our current six-day-a-week service. To have this support from Raphael’s Restaurant at Hampton Ferry is really wonderful and we are deeply grateful.”
Anyone else who can help the charity can donate via Evesham Riverside Shopmobility on Facebook or at the Shopmobility unit.
