Story in a china cup – from women for women
“It is not just a tea party.” From left, Nancy-Jean Bell, Jane Bellerby and Janet Huddleston. Photo: Ina Holst.
Denim-blue skies provided a dazzling backdrop to Jane Bellerby's exuberant flower garden at the Women's Afternoon Tea Party last Sunday. Tea was sipped from precious china teacups as some 40 women dressed in their afternoon best, some in vintage clothing, met to share delectable finger food, song, laughter and stories-and raise money for women in need.
"The tea party originally developed as a reason to have fun and use lovely old china that usually languishes in cupboards. Also to honour the women in our past: our mothers, grandmothers and aunts. We wanted it to be an open invitation to all the women and girls of the Bay. From that flowed the idea of fundraising for local women in need of some relief during a difficult time," said Jane.
"The money raised (over $260 this third year of the tea party) is given to the wonderful Community Workers to distribute. The only stipulation is that it be used to provide pleasure. It's not for paying the electricity bill or such like but for things like a massage, a movie pass or childcare for some time out. Something that will strengthen and nourish and give a bit of breathing space in a rough patch."
"It is not just a tea party," chimed in co-organiser Nancy-Jean Bell. "It's also about dipping into our mother's and grandmother's clothes and china and listening to the stories about the teacups. As a child in Canada I had a tea party with my mother every afternoon after school, when we'd get out the best china and dishes, and my old friends still remember these tea parties."
Guest Aynsley Langford appreciated the opportunity to "air out the special china and meet other women outside your social circle who you'd not normally meet. I'm so jolly well blessed and most of us are so privileged, and this is a great opportunity to give something to people who are having a hard time," she said.
Ina Holst
