Fancy English tea boosts Mother Mentors, honors Mullally

RECORD STAFF On Thursday, May 2, Mother Mentors will present an English Afternoon Tea for the ladies, royal or not, as well as their gentlemen, of Whidbey Island. As many as 100 enthusiastic party goers are expected from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Langley United Methodist Church.

April 16, 2013 5:44 pm
Mully Mullally won’t wear a fire hat when she is honored at a Mothers Mentors afternoon tea on May 2. Ladies will dress in their finest fancy English garb for the event.
Mully Mullally won’t wear a fire hat when she is honored at a Mothers Mentors afternoon tea on May 2. Ladies will dress in their finest fancy English garb for the event.

RECORD STAFF

The Duchess of Bedford (1873-1857) lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria is credited with creating the English Afternoon Tea. Legend has it the lady wanted to counter that “sinking feeling” she suffered in the afternoon. She had servants bring her tea and small sandwiches to tide her over until the heavy evening meal. She was soon inviting other royal ladies to join her for tea at the castle and she added cakes, scones and assorted sweets. And for generations this enjoyable social and culinary activity has been enjoyed around the world.

On Thursday, May 2, Mother Mentors will present an English Afternoon Tea for the ladies, royal or not, as well as their gentlemen, of Whidbey Island. As many as 100 enthusiastic party goers are expected from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Langley United Methodist Church.

Supporters and friends will be in attendance and all those interested in the vital services of Mother Mentors are invited and welcome.

Founded by Kristin Lasher in 2009, Mother Mentors provides practical and emotional support, without charge, by matching trained volunteers with families who appreciate a nurturing friend. Mother Mentors also has recently assumed responsibility for Playscape, a free indoor park-like space where children and their adults are provided healthy and fun educational activities.

Mother Mentors has selected Mully Mullally as the honoree of its first tea. An icon for her many years of creative and loving service to the young children of South Whidbey, Mullally was featured as a Hometown Hero in the South Whidbey Record for her 30 years of civic contributions and her directorship of the South Whidbey Children’s Center. She now leads the staff at Playscape, said Linda Ade Ridder who notes, “We are asking for the community’s support to continue these programs.”

The English Afternoon Tea will be a unique event with flowered tables, classical music, tea pots and cups. Ladies will wear their finest or most outrageous hats to enhance the ambiance. Talented home foodies will prepare classic tea sandwiches like smoked salmon, cream cheese with dill, watercress and goat cheese with pecans or cucumber and mint. Also on the menu will be scones, Double Devon cream, shortbread cookies madelines and chocolates.

Tables are going fast , said Gwen Coughenour, event co-chair, addling, “Call your friends and join us for a special cause at our sure to be ‘most talked about’ party.”

TO RSVP, email wamothermentors@gmail.com or call 360-321-1484.