Long time RHS Board member Susan Gerrity along with Susan Jablokov, RHS Event Chair, organized A Jolly British Afternoon Tea which took place at Ormiston Mansion on Sunday June 30th, 2024. Two local groups joined to make the the Jolly Tea a great success: the Royal Heritage Society (RHS) housed in the mansion and the Tredyffrin Chapter of the Daughters of the British Empire (DBE). The RHS and the DBE drew a large crowd which assembled indoors for the afternoon tea since rain storms cancelled the Jolly Tea as an outdoor event. After the traditional tea complete with dainty tea sandwiches, scones, sherry and Pims were served in the upstairs reception rooms, the afternoon entertainment began in the downstairs front parlor. It was spectacular when three different dance groups performed for the assembled guests: Morris Dancers, Irish Dancers and Scottish Dancers.
A troupe called the Renegade Morris Dancers who had bells on their costumes performed on the front path despite rain showers as well as inside the mansion. Watching these traditional Morris Dancers was a great treat. These dancers were a mixed group of both young and older men, women and children. Morris Dancing involves rhythmic foot stamping along with stylized, choreographed movements. A group of young ladies from the Campbell School of Scottish Highland Dance followed the Morris group. The dancers bedecked in their Scottish tartans dazzled all with their balletic dance moves including high jumps along with intricate arm and footwork. They included in their performance a Sword Dance and a Highland Fling dazzling all with their high leaps. The Cummins School of Irish Dancing ended the afternoon’s entertainment. The Jenkintown based young ladies dressed in colorful costumes put on a great show. Their very fast footwork dazzled while the dancers held their backs straight and their arms by their sides.
The Jolly Afternoon Tea was a delightful success for all lucky enough to attend.
Morris Dancers on the Front Path
Scottish Dancers doing their highland dance in the front parlor
Cummins School of Irish Dance perform in their colorful costumes