Jenny Lee Teas 2.17

Jennifer Worth (the real life Jenny Lee) who wrote Call the Midwife, was passionate about helping people in the heart of communities. Her niece and nephews have launched a new UK charity to continue this work in her name

Jenny, former midwife and writer, was passionate about direct action using proceeds from her books to make sure good things happened in communities. We would spend hours discussing health, welfare, society and the importance of making a difference in communities. When Jenny died the money she put into smaller grass roots projects dried up; we wanted to ensure her legacy lives on. We were given contributions by the Jennifer Worth Literary Trust and her sister Sculptor Christine Lee. Rather than spend it on one project, we decided it could be better used to generate ongoing social capital. This would ensure we could do what she wanted and put money into lots of local projects. We needed something to inspire people in today’s virtual society to get involved like they did in the 1950s, when Call the Midwife was set. We also needed to find something that reflected our Aunt’s character.

The basic premise of Jenny Lee Teas is that anyone who wants to help, hosts a tea party and charges their guests. You can invite as many or few people, and charge them as much or as little as you like! It’s easy to do, requires no skill (if you can’t bake, you can always buy some delicious cake.) Fundraising should be fun, not tiresome. We wanted something that worked for anyone, with Jenny Lee Teas, you can get involved whether you own a manor or live in a bedsit – anyone can host a tea whatever their age or social situation. You can even team up and find someone willing to donate a venue or provide some cake!

First you phone or email/write and make a pledge. We send you a free pack, full of tips, possible tea party themes, recipe cards and more. Hosts then have a year in which to hold their event – which can be held anytime, any place, anywhere either for a few friends or at a school, office or community group. After the event the money raised is sent to Jenny Lee Teas for the local projects fund. Or you can do something else, Internet company The Great British Florist, for example, have designed a Jenny Lee bouquet and donate £5 to the fund for every one they sell.
The money raised goes to small, edgy projects that wouldn’t normally get funding easily. The charity focuses on Jenny’s social concerns: health, community, youth enterprise, social welfare, arts and individuals or groups seeking to make a difference. At the heart of the enterprise is the importance of making a difference close to home. The money raised goes into pots according to the county in which it was raised and it gives to causes that perhaps aren’t so popular but really need grassroots funding.

So if you’d like to raise funds for these special projects near you whether you’re an individual or business, telephone Joanna on 01568 709107 or email: info@jennyleeteas.com to make a pledge.

album photos of Jennifer Lee ©J.Bruce