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Fit for a Queen: Gibson Centre and Tec We Gwill members celebrate Elizabeth II with a proper tea

June 2, 2022   ·   0 Comments

On Sunday, May 29, the Gibson Centre for Arts & Culture and the Tec–We–Gwill Women’s Institute (W.I.) partnered together to host a traditional and authentic Afternoon Tea in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The event also honoured the 75th anniversary of the local W.I. and the 125th anniversary of the Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario.

This historical, once-in-a-lifetime occasion was a fundraiser for both the Gibson Centre and the W.I., and was a tremendous success with 150 tickets sold. Proceeds will be used to help the W.I. continue their work in the community through educational workshops, and outreach for the community. The Gibson Centre will use the funds to support arts and culture in New Tecumseth.

For guests of the Tea, it was an opportunity to dress up, wear a fascinator and make it a special day celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee. It was also a chance to eat food fit for The Queen, including dainty sandwiches (Coronation chicken, salmon, egg salad, cream cheese & cucumber), scones with clotted cream, jam and marmalade, pretty cakes, and mini-treats – including empire cookies, petit fours, lemon squares, chocolate squares – and, of course, tea!

The black-tie affair was served in a room filled with flowers, and organized by Jennifer Fortin, Satah VanderZagg, Nanci Forfellow, Sally Sainsbury, and Donna Jebb.

“The Federated Women’s Institutes of Ontario (FWIO) promotes inclusive and supportive social networking for community action and personal growth,” said Donna Jebb on the W.I.’s role in New Tecumseth. “We offer educational programs and advocate for social, environmental and economic change. We are a not-for-profit charitable organization with international affiliations.”

Jebb adds, “We envision an Ontario where individuals come together to create safe healthy communities and achieve enriched balanced lifestyles. And our values include: mutual respect and support, healthy environment, safe communities, versatility and adaptability.

“We are very excited to be able to meet again in person and have two community events this year, including this tea and our upcoming lunch on June 16. As well, we are working on providing a variety of workshops for people to attend and anyone interested please send an email to: tecwegwillwi@gmail.com or contact a W.I. member,” said Jebb.

The mandate of the Gibson Centre is to operate and enhance a historically significant landmark for the hosting of cultural activities, the showcasing of the arts and the cultivation of an environment – which promotes and encourages knowledge and skills in artistic pursuits. The Gibson Centre’s upcoming events lineup includes: the Taste of the Town and a summer / fall performance season. For more information visit them online at gibsoncentre.com 

By Wendy Gabrek

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