Afternoon tea in memory of Downpatrick’s Jenny Lowden

Afternoon tea in memory of Downpatrick’s Jenny Lowden

6 December 2023

MANY months of planning and organisation came together in a highly successful fund-raising event which took place in the festively decorated RGU clubrooms in Downpatrick recently.

A special afternoon tea was attended by 150 highly spirited guests who came from far and wide to support the event which will become an annual occasion hosted by the Jenny Rowden Memorial Fund.

This event was run entirely by volunteers including friends of the Rowden family and representatives from two charities, Parish Uganda Link Group and Life Change Changes Lives, and Down Netball Club which benefited from the proceeds of the day.

The total amount raised was £4,500 which was split equally between the three beneficiaries.

All of the food and hospitality was provided by friends of the organising group. The day included a very impressive raffle with an array of prizes provided by business and individuals from local areas.  The extremely talented Cora Kelly provided the music. 

Mr Terry Murphy spoke on behalf of the Parish Uganda Link Group, a group from Crossgar and Downpatrick which has been working for almost ten years supporting children into education and providing food for elderly members of the community in a parish in Uganda. Most recently the group provided funding towards a medical centre.

Manus and Ailish Teague spoke on behalf of Life Change Changes Lives (LCCL) which provides creative therapy, counselling and building self-esteem to people affected by mental ill health and addiction at its premises in Market Street, Downpatrick.

Jenny’s mum, Oonagh, expressed her sincere thanks to the members of the afternoon tea committee who worked tirelessly for months to ensure the day was a success.

She also thanked everyone who attended the event and supported it in any way.

She added: “There will always be a Jenny-sized hole in our hearts, but as long as we can keep Jenny’s memory alive through her memorial and raise vital funds for our local charities in her name, we feel she is always close to our hearts.”