Recently, 60 people attended the St Mary’s Parish High Tea at the farm home of Peter and Donrita Reefman, of Calulu.
The event was a successful fundraiser towards costs of St Mary’s music ministry and featured a saxophone performance by Gerry Ciavarella of The Uncles and members of the East Timorese community who sung a number of items in their language of Tetum.
Another feature of the day was background music provided by two young parish musicians, Lizzie and Sebastian Gray on flute and saxophone, both of whom were joined by Gerry for a number of items later in the afternoon.
Fr Joseph’s prayers for good weather came through, with a mild, sunny day shining on the pleasant garden venue with views over the surrounding countryside.
Many hands contributed towards the scrumptious savoury and sweet dishes after the champagne upon arrival, and many more volunteers assisted with preparing the venue the previous day and serving the dishes at the function.
A raffle draw concluded the event, with prizes including an original oil painting by Madelaine Schuman, two night’s accommodation for two at Reefman Arts Estate Retreat, six Royal Albert high tea sets, a hand-made turned wooden bowl, a beautiful potted rose donated by Lachlan Bull of Bull’s Botanics, and other donated gifts.
More than $2200 was raised towards supporting the excellent music liturgy at St Mary’s, Bairnsdale.
Given the success of the event, there are thoughts of another high tea event in 2025.
