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Date:  1 June 2007

Lunch with Edwina Currie raises £3,500 for Hyman Fine House

Writer, broadcaster and former health minister Edwina Currie was in fine form when she spoke at a fundraising lunch organised by the Ladies’ Committee of Hyman Fine House, a residential care home for older people, which belongs to Jewish Care, the health and social care charity.

The luncheon took place at the AJEX centre in Palmeira Avenue, Hove on Thursday 10th May and was attended by 100 men and women. Mrs Currie was welcomed by Brighton resident Shirley Burke, who chairs the ladies’ committee. Mrs Burke has raised funds for the home in Burlington Street for many years, where she helps out on a regular basis. Her husband, Alan, is also a volunteer.

Addressing the audience, Mrs Currie joked about spending her kids’ inheritance, saying: “I hope that I can still pay for my own care and won’t have to ask the state.” When asked how she would like to be cared for when she was older, Mrs Currie replied: “Whether I’m 77, 87, 97 or 107, I hope that I will still be treated as an intelligent woman and given independence and choice.”

Shirley Burke said: “It was absolutely fabulous. Edwina was a brilliant speaker, she was a real draw. She was so natural and a pleasure to talk to and she was very interested to hear about the home. I am thrilled to pieces that we have raised about £3,500 for the home, to benefit the residents.

Liz Linder of Jewish Care, the home’s business manager, travelled from London for the occasion. She said: “It was a wonderful lunch and having Edwina there was the icing on the cake. She entertained us with tales of political life and was friendly to everyone. The committee has done a great job and their efforts are very much appreciated.”