By Alison Topp
To The Haldimand Press
ATTERCLIFFE STATION—What a way to mark a moment in history! On May 6, 2023, Coronation Saturday, Bethany United Church hosted a traditional British Afternoon Tea.
ATTERCLIFFE STATION—Shown at Bethany United Church’s British Afternoon Tea is (above left) David Everitt, Rev. Dianne Everitt, Karen Allen, and Joey Everitt.
The hall was beautifully decorated; a backdrop of flowing white curtains and fairy lights set off the blues and reds of the Union Jack which caught your eye as you entered the room. The lunch tables were arranged around a large Union Jack carpet in the centre of the room and around the edges there were many displays of British and Royal memorabilia. The Coronation Ceremony was replaying quietly at the front of the hall.
During the three lunch seatings, Bethany hosted 65 guests who dressed in their finest – fascinators and bowler hats abound! The tables were set with the prettiest china and silver, and lunch was served on three-tiered serving plates. The young servers were dressed in black and white and they began lunch by offering your choice of tea in your own teapot. And the lunch, when it was served, was a work of art! Three layers of treats – savory sandwiches, scones (with cream and jam), and sweets.
As everyone enjoyed the lunch, snippets of conversations floated through the air of the hall – moments in British history, highlights of the Coronation Service, family updates, and spring garden delights. It is so great to be back to a post-Covid normal!
Betty Sawyers, Alice Van Ravenswaay, and Ben Van Ravenswaay.
The Coronation Tea was a huge undertaking for the fundraising committee, but the day was terrific!
It was great to see neighbours out enjoying themselves and we will always remember what we were doing on King Charles III’s Coronation Day!
Bethany United Church worships every Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. in Attercliffe Station. All are welcome to drop in!
HAGERSVILLE—On Saturday, May 6, 2023 Hagersville United Church hosted a similar event to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla. Approximately 60 people enjoyed a full tea with china and three-tiered tea stands. The event also included a coronation bingo game, door prizes, commemorative gifts, a photo booth, and a historic table with scrapbooks and royal memorabilia for attendees to browse. Queen Elizabeth II passed away on September 8, 2022 and her eldest son Charles assumed the throne that day. The coronation was broadcast around the world for millions to view on May 6. Shown above left is a table of patrons enjoying the tea together.
- This was the 40th coronation ceremony that West Minster Abbey has hosted since 1066.
- The Bank of Canada has announced the $20 banknote and coins will have King Charles III pictured.
- Camilla became the 29th Queen Consort to be crowned at Westminster Abbey.
- The official dish of the coronation is a coronation quiche.
- There were 2,000 people in attendance at the coronation.
- The coronation procession route was much shorter than Queen Elizabeth’s.
- Charles became the longest-serving heir apparent at age 73 after 70 years and 214 days in the role – a record previously set by his great-great-grandfather, King Edward VII, born heir apparent and becoming king at 59 years, 74 days old.
- Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation took place on June 2, 1953, 16 months after she acceeded the throne in February 1952. Charles’ coronation took place eight months after his accession.
