Programme
36 guests gathered in the lovely story-telling garden of the Westmount Library
to enjoy our 6th annual Victorian afternoon tea.
Our large U-shaped table was beautifully set and decorated with programs, delicate china, colourful napkins and potted red geranium plants
Framed pictures of Charles Dickens and Queen Victoria adorned a large side table along with flowers, cut-outs of Dickens characters and some copies of our books for next year.
Our refreshments consisted of fruit salad, a variety of delicious finger sandwiches, potato knishes, bagel and smoked salmon bites, buttery scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of cakes and cookies. Plenty of cold, sweet, lemony iced tea was on hand to quench our thirsts in the hot sun.
Several of our guests wore elegant period costumes while the majority sported flower laden and colourful sun bonnets.
Opening comments by Ellie included a review of this year's meetings and events and a preview of next year's calendar and next year's book, "Dombey and Son".
Louise gave us some great background information about Dickens's favourite flower and we all toasted the red geranium.
Margaret followed with an animated reading from "Martin Chuzzlewit" about Mrs. Gamp's waxing and waning relationship with Betsy Prig.
We were delighted to welcome back Ms. Michèle Le Fèvre of the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation who accepted our $500.00 cheque to the Tiny Tim Fund.
Next we were thoroughly entertained by two young music students from McGill Faculty of Music.
Leah Bethel sang a selection of Victorian songs, accompanied by classical guitar student, Max Badea-Hasasian.
Judith captured our imaginations with an excerpt from "A Tale of Two Cities" about Jerry Cruncher, a resurrection man.
Sylvia came next with a recollection of our past teas, a toast to Ellie and finally an eloquent toast to the immortal memory of Charles Dickens.
A second musical interlude delighted us as many gathered in shady spots to enjoy the concert.
Thank you Leah and Max for the fabulous recital.
Many thanks to everyone for helping to make our event such a success. Have a wonderful summer!