Tea in the Garden

“If I were asked what I like best about Government House, my reply would be having to organize teas and parties for charitable causes. But I just could not stop there because as patron of the association, I was given the opportunity to host on the 10th March 2002, the first of its kind, the biggest and the best ‘High Tea’ on the lawns of Government House.

(The) menu (comprised) of dainty treats — éclairs, pastries, ginger cookies, rolled sandwiches, croustades, roulades, sponge cakes and a selection of the finest teas. I was ecstatic as I watched ladies, as if going to Buckingham Palace, sauntering in with an assortment of hats and the Posh who went a bit further, wearing lace, crochet or satin gloves. What a sight. It was reminiscent of Ascot or a casting for My Fair Lady.

The afternoon was more than we had anticipated. What started out to be a one-off event has become, in an instant, an annual event.”

Lady Carlisle, Governor General’s wife, Patron, Girl Guides Association of reflecting on the annual Garden Party: excerpted from the 75th anniversary magazine.