St Stephen’s 2019 British Garden Party and Fête is just around the corner! We’ve got lots of fun in store for you. Join us on Saturday, May 4th, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on the Church grounds: fun, games, and food for the entire family! Mark your calendars now!
General admission is free, but there is a modest charge for Afternoon tea, and comestibles and potables are available for sale on the green. How much you spend at the Jumble Table or at one of the Wheels of Chance is up to you.
Schedule
| 11:00 AM – 11:25 | Opening ceremonies featuring The Clans of Glencoe pipers, His Majesty King Henry VIII, and the Ven. Guy Hawtin |
| 11:00 AM | The Tea Room opens |
| 11:30 AM – Noon | Professor Horn’s Punch & Judy show |
| 12:00 Noon – 12:25 PM | Children’s races |
| 12:30 – 1:00 PM | Professor Horn’s Punch & Judy show |
| 1:00 – 1:25 PM | The Clans of Glencoe pipers |
| 1:30 – 1:50 PM | Maypole dancing by The Dance Magnet Students of Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts |
| 2:00 AM | Last seating for Afternoon Tea |
| 2:00 – 2:30 PM | Professor Horn’s Punch & Judy show |
| 2:30 – 2:50 PM | Maypole dancing by The Dance Magnet Students of Patapsco High School and Center for the Arts – children can participate |
Entertainment
- Bagpipes. The Scots be representin’. The Clans of Glencoe Pipers are part of our opening ceremonies, and then they’ll play another set later in the day.
- Maypole. The Maypole is back! Join in the dancing, and strike a blow against Puritan repression!
- Professor Horn’s Punch & Judy Show. This authentic Punch & Judy show has been a runaway hit in years past. We’re excited to welcome Professor Horn back this year.
- Wheels of Chance. We have two wheels this year! Take a spin to win bottles of wine or spirits—or chocolate, at the “children’s” wheel.
Children’s Activities
- Face Painting. Which is scarier? Lions or mimes?
- Handicrafts. Flower Pot painting and Suncatcher painting: why not make something for Mother’s Day?
- Races. There are Egg Races, Wheelbarrow Races, and Sack Races, for various combinations of participants.
Food and Drink
- Afternoon Tea in the Parish Hall. Sandwiches, scones, pastries, and, of course, tea.
- The Barley Mow Pub on the Lawn. Come visit the newly refurbished Pub! The beer selection will be announced shortly.
- Pub grub. Sausage rolls and Ploughman’s lunches. There’s also American fare (hot dogs (or “snorkers”, as we calls ’em)). Have a seat at a table and indulge in some people watching.
Specialty Booths
- Portobello Road White Elephant Stall. Only the best jumble will do.
- Flower Arrangement Stall. Pick up some geraniums, or some prêt-à-porter flower arrangements for Mother’s Day.
Photo Galleries
The 2007 British Garden Party and Fête was a rousing success. The weather was beautiful, the food and beverages were plentiful, and there were lots of activities for people to enjoy. Here are some photos from the activities on the lawn in front of the church, plus a few shots of entries in the Flower Arranging competition.
15 Photos
Like its predecessors, the 2011 Garden Party and Fête was a great success. We had singers and pipers, and greyhounds, and a visit from HRH Henry VIII.
72 Photos
The theme for the 2011 Garden Party Flower show was "British Movies". As you can see, we got a lot of very clever entries, giving the judges quite a challenge.
18 Photos
The theme for the 2012 Flower Show was "Her Majesty the Queen", in honour of Queen Elizabeth II's Jubilee.
13 Photos
There's a lot of work involved in setting up the Garden Party every year—especially in the Tea Room.
9 Photos
The weather was spectacular, and a grand time was had by all. The 2013 British Garden Party and Fête was a grand success.
107 Photos
This year's Garden Party Flower Show's theme was "Best of British". The show was judged by Nancy Johnston, of the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland.
27 Photos
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