Jolly Afternoon Tea Party Celebration

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

2024 Candlelight Wassail

Royal Heritage Members and their guests plan to usher in the 2024 holiday season by attending the RHS’s annual traditional Scottish Wassail held as always at Ormiston Mansion, the society’s 1798 home.  Ormiston will be decorated in all its best holiday finery. This year’s Wassail will be held on Wednesday December 4th, 2024 from 6:30 PM until 9:30 PM. The Ormiston front parlor Christmas tree will dazzle guests as they walk through the front door.  The tree will sport that special Ormiston WOW factor. It will be festooned with red plaid ribbons,  gleaming ornaments and sparkling lights.

The evening festivities will begin in the mansion’s first floor dining room where copious hors d’oeuves and holiday drinks will be served in the mansion’s dining room. After guests have enjoyed these, they will move to the large second-floor reception room where a holiday dinner will be served buffet style with traditional favorites.  In the adjacent President’s Room, an assortment of deserts will be available along with coffee and tea for all to enjoy after their holiday meal. 

Following the Wassail’s buffet dinner, the evening’s highlight is the caroling that occurs when all the guests return to the first-floor front parlor.  In recent years, Jack Williams, long-time RHS member, has played the piano and led the guests in singing well known Christmas carols.   As in past years at the end of the evening, everyone will sing the British hymn, Jerusalem, written by William Blake.  Jerusalem, considered the alternative British national anthem, ends the evening on a high note.

This year the RHS will honor former President, Tom Elsasser.  Tom Elsasser, a graduate of the US Naval Academy with a distinguished Naval career, upon his retirement served for many years as President of the Royal Heritage Society.

Invitations have been mailed to the 2024 membership.  The cost for the Wassail is $55 for members and $60 for their guests.  Please make checks payable to:  Royal Heritage Society.  Mail to:  Susan Jablokov; PO Box 403 Wayne, PA  19087;  information: 215-470-3562; sjablokov@yahoo.com.

RSVP no later than November 30th, 2024.

 

Oliver St. Clair Franklin honored by The Royal Heritage Society of Delaware Valley

from SusanScovill.com   June 12, 2023

1. The Royal Heritage Society of Delaware Valley and guests honored Oliver St. Clair Franklin, the Commander of the Most Excellent Order Of the British Empire and  Honorary British Consul for Greater Philadelphia during an event held in the Garden of Ormiston Mansion in Fairmount Park, on Sunday, June 11, 2023.  Proclamations from the office of the Mayor of Philadelphia and David Oh were presented to Oliver St. Clair Franklin. Following the Presentation guests enjoyed a buffet lunch, sweets table, sparkling wine, beer and Pimm’s Cup Punch. The following is a pictorial of the event.

2. Debbie Webster (center) chatted with, Annie, Sarah and Carol Neilson

3. Julie Jensen Bryan admired Susan Gerrity’s trifle – a popular dessert in the UK.

4. David Leslie Hughes and Norma Sheward chatted with Peter Longstreth (center)

5. Taylor LaRossa and Elizabeth Sweeney paused for a photo with David Oh who presented a proclamation.

6.Pat Mikols and Oliver St. Clair Franklin enjoyed a moment in front of the Union Jack

7.  Tom Elsasser,  David Leslie Hughes, DavId Oh,  Susan Jablokov,  Bishop Luke Kukose  and Susan Gerrity paused for a photo with Oliver St. Clair Franklin (center) following the Proclamation Presentation

8. Debbie Webster shared a moment with Renee and Greg Cantwell

9. Oliver St. Clair Franklin, his wife Pat, son Julien, daughter-in-law Nikki and their daughter Maxine (age 3) paused for a Franklin family portrait!

LUNCHEON FOR OLIVER ST. CLAIR

On Sunday, June 11th at 2:00 PM the Royal Heritage Society will hold a Buffet Lunch to honor the Honorary British Consul for Greater Philadelphia - Oliver St. Clair Franklin.  Before Queen Elizabeth passed away, she bestowed upon him the rank of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. This will be a casual affair held in the Garden of Ormiston Mansion.  It is a children friendly event. 

For more information: Susan Jablokov@yahoo.com or 315-470-3562