On Tuesday 8th July, Walk Talk Action proudly took part in something a little out of the ordinary – The Big Centenary Tea Party. It was a city-wide event to help celebrate 100 years of Stoke-on-Trent as a City…

The Tea Party brought together thousands of local residents, charities, organisations and community groups. Everyone united over a cuppa and a scone to mark 100 years of Stoke-on-Trent’s city status.

As well as a celebration, the event also had an ambitious goal: to break the Guinness World Record for the largest ever cream tea party! Adjudicators attended five venues across the Potteries. These were:

• DoubleTree by Hilton, Festival Park (which Walk Talk Action attended);
• NatWest Bank in Hanley;
• Stoke Minster;
• Stoke Town Hall; and
• The Victoria Hall in Hanley.

From 11:00am sharp, once seated, we couldn’t leave our tables until the record attempt had officially finished! We were joined at our table by Ben from Wavemaker Stoke, John from YMCA England & Wales, and some lovely folks from Fegg Hayes Futures.

It was a lively, and hugely positive atmosphere. And the conversation, laughter and community spirit flowed as freely as the tea.

There were some notable guests making the rounds. As well as having a chat with one of the Guinness World Record adjudicators, we also caught up with Cllr. Jane Ashworth, and met the Lord Lieutenant, Mr Ian Dudson, and his wife.

It was great to see so many familiar faces from across the local area all coming together for such a unique and uplifting cause.

The best part? We did it! Across the five officially verified venues, 777 people took part in the record-breaking attempt. And we’re delighted to say, we’re now part of Guinness World Record history.

What an incredible way to celebrate a century of Stoke-on-Trent as a city.

Of course, these were just five of many tea parties taking place on the day. Over 15,000 people joined in across 194 venues across The Potteries. Thus, this was not only a world record but a powerful display of unity, pride, and togetherness.

Indeed, the Stoke-on-Trent motto, Vis Unita Fortior (united strength is stronger) could not have been more apt.

Walk Talk Action is all about supporting positive wellbeing and stronger community connections. And we couldn’t think of a better example of that than what we witnessed at the tea party.

We’re immensely proud to have been part of such a joyful moment in Stoke-on-Trent’s history. We raised our teacups to the past 100 years – and to community spirit and connection.

Here’s to being record breakers. And to many more cups of tea shared along the way.

In case you’re unaware, Walk Talk Action holds Tea & Toast drop-in sessions every Wednesday during term time. Since April 2023, these have become a lifeline for the local community.

If you fancy coming along to see what they’re all about, we’d love to see you. Sessions take place at St Francis Church, Meir Heath, Sandon Road, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 7LH on from 10:00am – 12:00pm.