225. The Lady Mayoress’s Afternoon Tea Party in aid of Treloar’s School, Mansion House, 26 June 2024

Ever since its foundation by the then Lord Mayor Sir William Purdie Treloar in 1907, Lord Mayors of the City of London have supported Treloar’s School & College for disabled young people.  Mansion House hosted a Gala Dinner for Treloar’s in April (I believe this is an annual event).  New this year, and in addition, was the Treloar’s Afternoon Tea Party, which had been planned for some considerable months beforehand.

Hats were encouraged, according to the invitation – and what a wonderful display of headwear there was!  As many of the ladies had been to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party relatively recently, some of the hats were quite stunning – although no one could compete with the Master Gold & Silver Wyre Drawer! 

Male guests felt outnumbered but some wore hats too!

The Tea Party took all afternoon, beginning with a drinks reception at 12.30pm.  Activities were carefully structured around various “courses” of afternoon tea.  Round tables for ten people were beautifully decorated with a basket of herbs as a centrepiece, topped by a miniature maypole with trailing jewel-coloured diaphanous ribbons.

Sports presenter Kenzie Benali was our hostess for the day, and she and Lady Mayoress Elisabeth Mainelli welcomed everyone.

We began with sandwiches, containing four different delicious fillings.  Cups of tea were freely available throughout the afternoon; additional glasses of champagne could be purchased.

Next was a Key Raffle Draw.  We were encouraged to buy a key from a selection on our table.  Each key had its own jewel-coloured diaphanous ribbon.  One would fit the lock of a large decorative bird-cage (without bird!) which would entitle the winner to a huge hamper from Fortnum & Mason.  Eventually colour by colour we were eliminated, leaving only the amethyst ribbons.  Each keyholder tried the lock, and a winner was declared.  Well done, Catherine!

Then it was time for scones, with apricot jam and clotted cream.  And more tea.

Next was a game of bingo, for those who had purchased one or more bingo cards from an envelope on their table.  Auctioneer Hugh Edmeades was the caller.  Alas, no full house on our table.

Alan Titchmarsh MBE lives close to Treloar’s and is fully supportive of the school; he was a star attraction at this event.  Participants had been invited to submit gardening questions to him well in advance of the afternoon.  Questions and answers were given with good humour.  It was comforting to note that others struggle with gardening too!

Then Hugh Edmeades took centre stage again to conduct the live auction, comprising six lots, with the culmination of an atmospheric painting of Elandor Cove, South Devon by a former Marine.  Running throughout the afternoon was a silent auction; in both cases some bargains were made!  Once again the Lady Mayoress put herself up for auction, offering a badminton experience in the Mansion House Ballroom, followed by tea.

We were shown an inspiring short film about the life of young Natalie, showing the progress she had made while being at the school.  Director of Music Jocelyn Watkins spoke of how much music means to the pupils.  She played a video showing her communicating with the students by patiently and joyfully singing a Hello song to each one.  We also watched a video about an electronic instrument everyone can play.  We could really see the joy on the faces of the students using this.

It turned out that presenter Kenzie was a new mother, and she found this most emotional (as indeed did we all).

Next – more food!  A delicate selection of cakes, fruit tarts and fruit skewers (sponsored by the Basketmakers).

Then it was time for the final announcement of how much money had been raised that afternoon!

What a splendid amount!

Thank you speeches and then time to go home.  What an amazing afternoon.  And many thanks to Consorts Deborah Black and Virginia Bond for their excellent organisation.