Thelma Barlow (left) aka Mavis from Coronation Street with Malcolm White and Judith Podd from EDP. Thelma helped raise the sum for the charity.
Dorset resident Thelma Barlow who played Mavis in the soap opera Coronation Street helped raise almost £1,000 for charity.
The much-loved actress, 86, wanted to do a good turn in the county before she relocates to Kent to live near her son.
She got behind a quiz night and auction organised by Swanage’s James Smith Funeral Directors – part of the Douch Family Funeral Directors group.
Not only did she attend the event that was held to raise funds for EDP Drug & Alcohol Services, but contributed for auction a dinner for four which she would host.
Swanage resident Andrew Brewin, along his partner Lesley McLintic and their friend Andrea Dunckley won the bidding.
They enjoyed a magnificent meal with Thelma at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club in Studland.
They were delivered there in a limousine driven by Derek Trotter from the funeral directors. Derek also organised the event.
Andrea said: “It was a fantastic meal and Thelma was superb company, so down to earth and easy to talk to.
“The food and service were excellent and the views are amazing from the golf club. To be chauffer driven there and back in such a lovely car was wonderful.
“It is sad for Swanage to be losing Thelma but moving to Kent will be good for her.”
The quiz night and auction raised a total of £913.95.
EDP Drug & Alcohol Services helps people address their drug and alcohol misuse.
A fundamental belief underpinning its work is that, given the right support and resources, people can and do make remarkable changes.
The charity has a long-established centre in Swanage and works across the South West.
Thelma said: “It was an opportunity to support a very good cause before I say goodbye to Swanage.”
The actress was in Coronation Street for 26 years and her character Mavis worked in ‘The Kabin’. She left the soap in 1997 after the departure of her on-screen husband Derek.
She has lived in Swanage for the last 13 years.
Pic caption: Thelma Barlow with Malcolm White and Judith Podd from the EDP charity.
Note to editors: Douch Family Funeral Directors have been helping families with funeral arrangements for over 100 years. Branches include Douch & Small, A E Jolliffe & Son, Albert Marsh, James Smith, Ives & Shand and Lesley Shand Funeral Service. They’re based in Ferndown, Wareham, Poole, Upton, Wimborne, Swanage, Corfe Mullen and Blandford.
Editor’s Note: For more information please contact: Ed Baker, Deep South Media, on 01202 534487, or Ed Baker on 07788392965.
