Well it was that time of the year again! The DBE Christmas Tea! What a glorious day it turned out to be too. Brisk cooler temperatures but a beautiful sunny day.

Our first guests started arriving at about 12.30 pm and then it was a steady stream until all seats were filled at about 1.10pm at which time Diane Jones State President gave the opening speech welcoming everyone to this year’s Christmas Tea.
 
This was a record year with 250 tickets sold and about 245 seats filled. We had eight vendors in the hall this year as well, with products ranging from Organic bath and beauty products to Photographs and Postcard, to beautiful jewelry, vintage style Dolls to hand made soaps etc.
After the opening address the DBE Ladies descended on the table with pots of piping hot British Tea and plates of pastries, cakes, Sausage rolls, Scotch Eggs and various small bites and sandwiches. Soon the hall was buzzing with chatter and sounds of tea cups chinking.
 
Our entertainment this year was given by Cristal Yexley and her Friends. Cristal sang a collection of Christmas songs accompanied by Ben on the Guitar and Vocals and Scott on the Drums. They were great and I saw many of our guests joining in and singing also. I think I even saw one or two dancing at their tables. Great Job!
 
After that there were some raffle Prizes drawn out and distributed to the lucky winners, some of the prizes had been donated by the Vendors. Thanks to them for supporting us.
Then Phil Perkins, husband to Gill in the Centre Court Chapter, recited a poem about him being the Grinch at Christmas. This was well received and at times hilariously funny, well done to Phil especially as he only put it together in the couple of days previous to the event. He even looked like The Grinch in his Grinch hat.
 
After the applause died down, and in fact it was quite a long applause, Diane drew the remainder of the Raffle Prizes.
The next item has been a favourite at our tea for many years. Chico’s of Knoxville gave a wonderful fashion show which is made more special for us by the ladies of the DBE in Tennessee being the models for the show. Once again Chico’s outdid themselves and the outfits were stunning and so beautifully modelled. A huge round of applause to all the ladies.
 
The tea was wrapped up in the traditional manner where all the ladies of the DBE joined together to sing “We Wish you a Merry Christmas”.
After this successful tea and if you are reading this and wish to come along next year get your orders for tickets in early to avoid disappointment.