Emily Sprague
SCOT members and friends enjoyed a delightful afternoon tea on June 4th in the Fellowship Hall of West Raleigh Presbyterian Church. Celtic musician Eileen Regan set the tone with lilting melodies on her lever harp. Piper Bruce Wright led a procession of teapots to announce the beginning of the Tea.
The theme Flowers of Scotland was interwoven throughout with an extensive thistle collection on display, a wall wreath of thistles and heather, thistle napkins, inclusion of Thistle Tea and Heather Tea as tea choices, and door prize gift baskets filled with flower themed items. Master Gardener Serena King presented a short program describing how Scottish flowers are used medicinally, as dyes for tartans, and as symbols in clan badges.
Traditional meat pies, Scotch eggs, scones, gingerbread, and shortbread were included in the three-course seated Tea.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee that same weekend was celebrated with trifles made from Britain’s winning “Pudding Contest” recipe, served in Jubilee shot glasses. The best part of the afternoon was sharing a love of all things Scottish with friends, new and old.