Princess Beatrice’s uniquely sculpted royal wedding hat will unfortunately not be available for the Hats & High Tea event next month but other distinctive headpieces will be worn in all their majesty. A follow up to last years successful Dresses Thru The Decades Show, the event is a fashion show of hats from the past and present. “We were bouncing ideas around for this years fundraiser when we decided to host the Hats and High Tea evening to correspond with the royal wedding this year and Prince William and Kate’s subsequent trip to Canada,” said Wendy Richardson, a member of the organizing committee.
Residents from across the region have dug deep into their closets to come up with some unique hats and gloves from the past. Some will model their own hats, while local youths will sport some of the other items.
“At this point we have anywhere between 150 to 170 hats to show and model,” said Richardson.
Looking to add a little fame to the show, the organizing committee asked the Queen for a hat to exhibit.
“Her Majesty sent her regrets through Rideau Hall,” said Richardson. “We were just thrilled to get a personal call from (Governor General) David Johnston’s assistant, even if it was a very polite rejection. It was what we expected, but we figured ‘why not ask?”
They did acquire one hat with a royal connection, however, as Kathryn Seiling, wife of Waterloo Region Chair Ken Seiling, lent them the hat she wore when she met the Queen last year.
Even more exciting for the committee members is the ‘High Tea’ concept of their event.
“We took a trip to Phidelias in New Hamburg in March to experience a high tea as it should be to give us a better idea of what we wanted to serve,” said Richardson. “They were absolutely wonderful about explaining the different types of teas to us, and how they should be prepared.”
Distinctly Tea out of Shakespeare is working with the committee to provide a sampling of a few different teas during the evening.
“We are making all the goodies for the event including the sandwiches, desserts and scones,” said Pat Snyder, a committee member.
All proceeds from the show will go to the Wellesley-North Easthope Fall Fair. A raffle for ‘Summer Tea’ a limited edition Royal Doulton figurine, one of three in the ‘Pretty Ladies’ series, signed by Michael Doulton has been donated by Susan Duke, CAO of the Township of Wellesley, for the event.
Members of the local community will be involved as well as the committee has asked members of the Wellesley Township Fire Department to volunteer their tea-pouring skills for the evening. Current fair ambassador Justine Walker will be the master of ceremonies.
The show will be held on June 16 at 7 p.m. at the Wellesley Community Centre. Tickets need to be purchased in advance and are available at Village Flowers & Gifts, Pfeifer Gallery, or by contacting committee members at 519-656-2961.
