100 Year Old Afternoon Tea Event Set to Return to Rivington Gardens

8 Mar 2021 12:14
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Judy Robinson, a Bolton-born supporter of Rivington Terraced Garden’s ‘Squarea’ campaign, is celebrating being picked as a prize-draw winner of ‘Tea on the Lawn’ tickets for herself and partner, John Laird at the beauty spot – an event inspired by afternoon tea gatherings held over 100 years ago.

 

The prize-winning opportunity was offered to all sponsors of the fundraising campaign in the run up to Valentine’s Day.  Owing to the success of the recent push, Rivington Heritage Trust is extending the chance to win more tickets until Mother’s Day, for all those helping to raise the £100,000 annual maintenance costs needed to keep The Gardens in their beautiful condition.

 

Judy says: “I sponsored the Japanese Water Gardens as I Iove the area.   I was brought up in Bolton and from a very early age I often visited Rivington with my family.  I now live in Stockport but still head over there a lot.”

 

Tea on the Lawn follows a century old tradition where Lord Leverhulme would invite his private guests to enjoy the grand views and take tea by the summerhouse.  During the summers of 1919-1924, Lord Lever would hold annual Open Days.  On these occasions, members of the public could purchase a ticket to enjoy live music and entertainment, with proceeds being donated to local charities.

 

The picturesque Orchestra Lawn was used for the first time since renovation in Summer 2019 for Tea on the Lawn, when 120 people were served afternoon tea while listening to a harpist.

 

Richard Galloway, a director of Rivington Heritage Trust, said: “Our annual summer celebration of taking Tea on the Lawn - much as Lord and Lady Leverhulme liked to do to entertain their guests a 100 years ago, will run again as soon as restrictions allow.  We’re planning for late summer.”

 

Members of the public can sponsor a 10sq m virtual patch of land called a ‘Squarea’ in The Japanese Garden, The Italian Lake, The Dell, The Woodlands or The Lawns for just £20.  Owners of each dedicated certificate also have their name added to an online roll call and can choose to support the area that is the setting for their treasured memories. 

 

To sponsor a Squarea and be entered into the Mother’s Day prize draw, visit  https://www.rivingtonterracedgardens.org.uk/get-involved/squarea/

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