A British magazine hosted a literary lunch at Salisbury Guildhall to raise funds for the Samaritans, featuring three speakers including Reverend Richard Coles.
On Monday, June 11, The Oldie Magazine, a monthly magazine, ran their annual literary lunch.
Every year, The Oldie take a road show lunch within the UK, and this year, they raised chose Salisbury to raise money for Salisbury Samaritans. The Salisbury branch rely on funding of around £50,000 a year to operate.
Salisbury Samaritans branch co-director Hestor Houlihan shared information about Salisbury Samaritans with guests, alongside Samaritans listener Brian Hicks.
Hester said: “Samaritans is a non-judgemental space where people can just be themselves.
"We don’t know who we are talking to – that’s the space the phone gives. Samaritans is well known but a lot of people that might not know about that service, and it’s really important they do know.”
Each ticket to the fundraising event included a three-course meal, wine, and talks by three speakers.
Speakers in attendance were: Reverend Richard Coles, speaking about his novel “A Death in the Parish” – a Sunday Times bestseller; Linda McDougall talking about "Marcia Williams: The Life and Times of Baroness Falkender" and Katie Hickman talking about her story “Brave Hearted: The Dramatic Story of Women of the American West.”
With around 90 people attending, the Guildhall was quickly packed full of Oldie readers, locals, and listeners from Samaritans branches from across the UK.
The event began with an hour of drinks, before an introductory speech by editor of Oldie magazine. Soon after, the three-course meal was served to 12 tables of guests in the Guildhall.
Guests enjoyed their desserts while each speaker gave a speech introducing a novel of theirs – which later could be purchased and signed.
Jon Carter, a listener from Bath, attended with his wife Linda, having been to previous events run by Oldie Magazine.
He said: “The Oldie has that strong sense of humour – and that is the essence of Samaritans – having a sense of humour to help with those strong emotions.”
Hester added: “It was such a pleasure to join The Oldie literary lunch today - it was a wonderful lunch, venue and such engaging authors talking about their work.
“We are incredibly grateful to the magazine and all the organisers for supporting Salisbury & District Samaritans.”
The event finished with a book signing by the three speakers.
For mental health support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123.
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