High tea treat for hospital house

TEA in fine China, flutes of sparkling wine, and savoury and sweet treats were enjoyed at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall last Sunday during the Begonia City High Tea.

The Alfredton Rotary Club-led afternoon was the first fundraiser in a campaign to refurbish St John of God Hospital’s Rotary House, which accommodates relatives of regional and rural patients.

Organiser Jill Oliver said over $4000 was raised with about 60 people in attendance, each getting to drink and eat from traditional decorated fine China trios provided by the Canberra Hotel’s Malcolm Roberts.

“We’re very thankful that people came out and supported our high tea. The atmosphere was wonderful in the hall,” Mrs Oliver said.

“Malcolm and I like to give people a real experience for their money, so when we were wandering around and saw everybody thoroughly enjoying the afternoon, we were thrilled.”

As part of their community service, 11 Ballarat Grammar and 11 Ballarat Clarendon College students greeted guests, and served tables with tea and coffee, tarts, cupcakes, slices, finger sandwiches, and of course, scones, jam, and cream.

“We can’t thank the students enough, many of which were in year 12 and had made the time to help us,” Mrs Oliver said.

During the afternoon, St John of God’s director of mission Maureen Waddington made a brief presentation about Rotary House which is in need of renovation.

The bedrooms remain in good condition, however the common areas including the basic and ageing kitchen need to be completely replaced.