As a young girl spending summer afternoons at my grandmother’s country home in South Lancaster, I especially looked forward to Wednesdays. Wednesday afternoons were reserved for Zella Norton’s tea parties, a cherished tradition in the little hamlet. One by one, women would make their way along the country road, dressed in their finest summer dresses, their hair carefully styled for the occasion, and the delicate scent of rose water lingering in the air.
Those long-ago cherished memories came rushing back to me recently when I attended the Salem High Tea and Fashion Show in Summerstown. Although times have changed, the simple pleasure of women gathering together to share tea, conversation, and laughter remains a timeless tradition.
A Touch of Wonderland at Salem’s Afternoon Tea
For a few delightful hours on Saturday, May 2, historic Salem United Church in Summerstown was transformed into something that felt almost magical. More than 100 women and a few brave men gathered for an afternoon of elegance, friendship, laughter, and community spirit at the church’s annual high tea and fashion show, organized by Salem’s energetic United Church Women UCW.
According to organizer Deirdre Vipond, this was an opportunity to bring community together in fellowship while raising awareness of Maison Baldwin House and the important role it plays within our community for women and children escaping domestic violence and human trafficking.
Clothing showcased by the amazing volunteer models was provided by Serendipity Boutique in Cornwall, a shabby chic thrift store that directly funds Maison Baldwin House, and Opportunity Knox, a thrift shop located in Lancaster that reduces, reuses, and repurposes clothing, books, and household items.
Although Salem UCW has held annual teas in the past, this was the first high tea and fashion show. Judging by the sold-out response, it will become a cherished tradition, bringing community together while supporting important local causes.
Unlike the famous tea party in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter’s whimsical and chaotic gathering, this tea party was a picture of elegance, grace, and hospitality. Tables were set with fine china, delicate linens, and spring flowers, creating an atmosphere where guests were invited to slow down, relax, and enjoy the hospitality and each other’s company.
Afternoon tea has long been associated with conversation, friendship, and refinement. Guests sipped tea from fine china while enjoying an assortment of carefully prepared finger sandwiches, with an encore of sweets and treats to complete the experience.
In a world that often moves too quickly, the Salem United Church High Tea and Fashion Show offered a welcome pause. It was an afternoon of warmth, compassion, and community—a celebration of friendship served with a cup of tea.
What made the afternoon truly memorable was not simply the tea or the food, but the sense of connection that filled the room. There was a calmness in the air, a feeling that everyone belonged.
Old friends reunited, new friendships were formed, and laughter flowed easily from table to table. For a few hours, strangers became friends. In an age when so much communication happens through screens and hurried messages, there was something wonderfully refreshing about women gathering face-to-face over tea. Conversations lingered, stories were shared, and a genuine sense of belonging made everyone feel welcome.
The event also reflected something deeper: women supporting women. Through the generosity of attendees, community sponsorship, and the sale of clothing, a portion of the proceeds will be directed to Baldwin House, helping women and children escape domestic violence and human trafficking.
It was a reminder that acts of kindness often begin around a table, with people coming together to care for one another and experience “the joy of giving”.
The United Church Women UCW have a long history of faith, service, and outreach in communities across Canada. Events such as this tea party reflect the organization’s commitment to fellowship, service, and supporting those in need. It is also an opportunity to bring people to Salem for reasons other than Sunday service, raising awareness of this historic community anchor.
And while there may not have been a White Rabbit hurrying through the room or a Mad Hatter at the head table, there was a one-of-a-kind fashion show that brought plenty of laughter to the room. Rather than featuring designer fashions, guests were surprised to learn that many of the outfits had been creatively assembled from treasures found at Serendipity Boutique and Opportunity Knox.
The models embraced the spirit of fun, delighting the audience with their good humour and confidence. The fashion show quickly became one of the afternoon’s most entertaining moments, proving that style, laughter, and a willingness not to take oneself too seriously can be just as memorable as elegance itself.
As the last cups of tea were emptied and the auction tables cleared, guests left with more than pleasant memories. They carried home a reminder that community is built through simple acts of kindness, shared conversations, and the willingness to support one another.
In Summerstown, over tea and finger sandwiches, more than 100 women demonstrated that friendship, generosity, and compassion remain among life’s finest traditions.
“May All Beings Be Happy”
note: For additional information about Salem United Church, upcoming events or the historic church cemetery, visit Salem United Church Facebook page or drop in for Sunday service…all are welcome!
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