Coronation Street actress supports charity event

Thelma Barlow, who played Mavis in the soap opera Coronation Street, helped raise almost £1,000 for charity. The much-loved Dorset-resident, 86, wanted to do a good turn in the county before she relocates to Kent to live near her son.

The actress supported a quiz night and auction organised by Swanage’s James Smith Funeral Directors, part of the Douch Family Funeral Directors Group.

The event that was held to raise funds for EDP Drug & Alcohol Services, a charity that helps people address their drug and alcohol misuse. It has a long-established centre in Swanage and works across the South West.

Thelma Barlow 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 meal with Thelma at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club in Studland. The group was 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 chauffeur 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.

Thelma said: “It was an opportunity to support a very good cause before I say goodbye to Swanage.”