A marvellous day in
 the garden!

Once again this year, the sun shone on St Stephen’s Garden Party, providing a bit of Britain to guests who enjoyed the authentic food, pub offerings, maypole, and a festive atmosphere as only the British can provide.

Our Master of Ceremonies, Bill Hawkins, kept events moving along. The procession was piped in by the John F. Nicoll Pipe Band, followed by our rector, Fr Guy Hawtin, Her Majesty Queen Victoria, and the court jester.

Professor Horn’s Punch & Judy show was again a highlight of the day, with authentic puppets and stage. A long-standing tradition in the British Isles, Punch & Judy puppetry delights both children and adults, as was evident by our audience reactions. Next year, be looking for Professor Horn’s new stage and puppets imported from Europe.

The Musica Camerata singers added a festive note in their Renaissance costumes, and the John F. Nicoll Pipe Band, always a favourite, offered familiar and traditional pipe band airs during the afternoon.

No true British Garden Party could be complete without our many other booths: a ‘jumble’ table, the new scarves and jewellery table, a bake table, books—some real bargains here!—a wine and spirits wheel, The Barley Mow pub (yes, that was our own Fr Mike Kerouac dispensing the Guinness), with pub grub and bangers close by. Thankfully, the Lord High Gaoler had few subjects in the stocks! Between the bouncy castle, children’s races, face painting and games, our largest contingent of children yet was royally entertained.

Guests were astonished at the transformation of Quimby Hall to a traditional British Tea Room, complete with china tea cups and plates. Each year, our tea room gets more beautiful.

The Garden Party was spearheaded by a planning committee: Bill and Annie Hawkins, Priscilla and Dick Huffman, Happy Riley, Martha Miller, John Karlsen, Courtney Buchness, and Colby Hawks. Many, many others in our congregation contributed hours of their time in planning, preparation, set-up, and clean up.

Be sure to save your Garden Party brochure. Not only does it contain Peter Threadgill’s amusing write-ups, but we now include three traditional Anglican prayers (page 8).

We invite your feedback on continuing to make the Garden Party a successful event. Please e-mail any ideas or comments to Priscilla Huffman at priscillahuffman@verizon.net.

Again, thanks for the extraordinary efforts on the part of our many volunteers. For those who missed out on the fun of preparation and organisation, you are invited to join the happy crew next year for camaraderie and fellowship! PRISCILLA HUFFMAN