Royal Tea at St. Andrew’s

Such excitement as gaily-garbed “royals” found their way to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Melbourne on Saturday afternoon, August 18. All were welcomed by Ellis Clark, MC, who said the blessing.

And even though most wore period gowns and fascinators or other headgear, many were dressed casually to avoid the summer heat. It was enjoyable to watch others arrive as we sipped our tea, ate our dainty sandwiches and enjoyed the background music of Ann Clark.

As we chatted and had a refill of the delicious tea, we sampled the wide assortment of sweets.

Tea was poured from the silver teapots the old-fashioned way by Vera Hughes and Carol Converse. The servers were also dressed in vintage attire.

A couple of anonymous judges searched for those that met the criteria to award the specially selected prizes in different categories. Finally, by mid-afternoon, the selection was made and announced. Best-dressed in full ensemble, including hat and gloves, was won by Olive Smith. The prize for the most original hat went to Vicky Blouin who had created a fascinator herself. In his dress suit and top hat, Ellis Clark took the prize for best-dressed gentleman, while the prize for the most colourful outfit went to Joan Pye.

Five door prizes were chosen by Shirley Marceau, Shirley Smith, Richard St. Dezier, Eileen Wadleigh and Clarissa Roberts.

Thanks go out to all those who worked so hard to make this a successful event, including those that prepared the Hall, made and served the bountiful food and a special thanks to the guests who came out and enjoyed the afternoon.

Submitted by

Vera Hughes and Jean Storry