When we "lived" in Swerford at Blue Row for a month, we were able to do things that residents do. That included a Sunday Afternoon Tea in the village next to us -- Great Tew. At the
Saint Michaels and All Angels Church
For it was a fundraiser tea and concert
For the organ fund
At the door -- watching over the donation basket . . .
Was Margaret. One of the church ladies whose responsbility the tea was.
Besides all the church ladies bringing tea treats, they were also responsible for brewing and serving the tea. Brewing in real tea pots and serving in real tea cups!
And, of course, any time that church ladies have anything to do with food . . . .
The tables are laden!!!! What a choice for afternoon tea.
After you worked your way down the tea treat table . . .
You took your goodies and your tea cup and sat in the pews while the church organist played the organ. There is nothing like afternoon tea and chat in England!
And our selections included . . .
Scones with whipped cream and fresh strawberries . . . . and
The classic Victorian Sponge . . . . and . . .
My personal favorite, coffee walnut cake. Of course, no tea is complete unless there are
Sandwiches . . . cheese and . . .
Cucumber! All crustless and cut into quarters. Small tea sandwiches!!!
It was a fun Sunday afternoon -- we were glad to assist in the fundraising and we were especially glad to get to visit with some of the villagers and have such a brilliant tea. It was one of the things that we wanted to do in our month in England -- attend local functions!
It's Tea Tuesday and I'm joining the following tea parties --
Tea Time Tuesday with Terri at Artful Affirmations
Tea Cup Tuesday with Martha at Martha's Favorites
Tea Pot and Tea Things Tuesday with Pam at Breath of Fresh Air
Tea Time Tuesday with Katherine at Lady Katherine's Tea Parlor
Tuesday Tea for Two with Wanda Lee at The Plumed Pen
Tea Time Tuesday with Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage
22 comments:
Martha, this is just glorious. As I sit here, New York tempo in my dna, I look at the sane, civilized idea of a Sunday afternoon tea, and realize there really is another way. Thank you, as always, for showing the great beauty that often gets overlooked in the hectic pace.
Ben
http://kissthecook-ben.blogspot.com/
What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, Martha. It looks absolutely wonderful. I hope you have a great holiday. Blessings...Mary
Mmmmm - dinner is cooking but I could certainly manage a scone with cream and jam!
How beautiful and such a lovely visual treat this evening!
Looks fantastic and what a unique experience to share!
How utterly delightful! My husband would be in his glory to sit at that organ. He has played many pipe organs and loves each second of it. And the food-how magnificent! I've never tasted the coffee cake but feel the need of looking up a recipe.
I found you wandering around from somewhere. I think through a link from The Winter's Reverie.
Blessings,
Pamela
You are living my dream, milady! To live in an English country village and soak in the delights of all that history with such a tea everyday - and books to read in the garden. My mouth was watering for the Victorian sponge cake! Thanks for sharing such a marvelous village tea!
Joy!
Miss kathy
Oh, Martha, this is delightful! The savouries and sweets look divine; especially the Victorian sponge cake! Love the pipe organ! How I would love to walk the streets of my ancestors and take in an afternoon tea. A delightful post! Thank you for sharing this with Tea Time and have a lovely day.
Blessings,
Sandi
Martha....what a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Thanks for sharing with us this treat. :-)))
Lovely post as always Martha.
Here's link for the recipe of Coffee & Walnut Cake from the quintesential English cook Nigel Slater - I can HIGHLY recommend it!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2003/sep/28/foodanddrink.shopping
Best wishes
Rose H
I love looking at traditions from other parts of the world! What a wonderful Sunday tea. Happy Tea Tuesday!
-Marie
Hi Martha,
Sunday spent with tea and treats in church while the organ plays, is simply divine!!
Love all the delicious confections especially the coffee walnut cake.
So yummy.
The organ is beautiful. I would love to play that amazing instrument.
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful time for tea.
Hugs from Texas,
Celestina Marie
Martha,
I wish I were there! It has been long, long time since I was in England and I love it there. I love the idea of having a tea right in your church and eating your treats right in the pews! Why not? I am new to all of this tea cup knowledge. I would love to have you stop in!
Fondly,
Suz
I enjoy your little stories and pictures so much. Thank you for taking the time to post them.
lovely place to host an event like this and look at those dishes so sweet and irresistible come see me at http://shopannies.blogspot.com
I've really enjoyed catching up on your blog. I love this post about the church ladies' tea. So fabulous.. thanks for sharing all your pretty posts with us. Many blessings, Marlis
I think the little sandwiches are wonderful...so dainty. All the goodies look delicious!
what a beautiful gathering for an afternoon.
Maggie
http://passionatelyartistic.com
Definitely an English afternoon tea.
If I had been in England, I would have been sitting in the pew right behind you! This is wonderful. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience. Cherry Kay
If I had been in England, I would have been sitting in the pew right behind you. I could eat a bowl of that icing on the coffee walnut cake. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience. Cherry Kay
Martha: You are living my dream. What a beautiful church. The English Tea looks wonderful. You are a lucky lady. Blessings to you, Martha
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