The pews at Bradford United Church were filled with ladies dressed in their Sunday best, wearing flowery picture hats and fascinators.
They were not there for Sunday service, however. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and the ladies were waiting to take part in an elegant Victorian Tea. While organizers put the finishing touches on the plates of sandwiches and treats, the guests enjoyed a musical interlude in the sanctuary.
“It’s a lot of work,” admitted church treasurer and organizer of the tea Cheryll Strong. Every seat was covered with linen and tied with a ribbon, every table set with china plates and tea cups, and the room decorated with tea dresses and hats.
Despite the popularity of the event, there won’t be a Victorian Tea next year.
“If you do it too often, it’s not special anymore,” said Strong, urging tea lovers to circle the calendar for 2020.
Bradford United Church has another fundraiser coming up this fall that combines fine food and fun. The annual Gala Murder Mystery Dinner will be taking place on Oct. 20.
The title is Café Murder, and guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner and dessert (wine and beer available to purchase) before solving the murder of ‘Rosemary St. John,’ hypochondriac, who is celebrating her birthday surrounded by her four kooky sisters. It is up to the audience to decide whodunnit – a sister? The self-taught detective? The French chef? The Maître D? The waiter?
Tickets are $40. Call 905-775-7268 to reserve before Oct. 5. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. at the church at 66 Barrie St. in Bradford.