'Ladies who lunch' raise over £2,000 for local Poole charity

The ‘new year, new you’ lunch organised by Diverse Abilities saw 80 local women enjoy a two-course meal and hear from the event’s guest speaker, award-winning nutritionist and businesswomen Barbara Cox, who demonstrated inspirational healthy recipes and shared her tips for great sleep, an energised day and healthy diet.

Guests were also able to try Barbara’s personal blend of chai tea and a new healthy vodka cocktail. The ladies were also treated to a goodie bag full of item, kindly donated by Lush, Dorset Cereals, Mr Lees Noodles and flowers from Tesco Express in Broadstone.

Vikki Slade, capital appeals manager at Diverse Abilities, said, “We are delighted that the event raised over £2,000 for an up and coming capital appeal and look forward to the next event in June. We hope that this series of ladies lunches will raise over £10,000, which will make a huge difference to young adults with profound disabilities in the county. A massive thank you goes to The Italian Villa, Barbara Cox and our sponsors for supporting the Ladies Lunch.”