Although she was born on April 21, the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II is celebrated each year on a weekend in mid-June for purely practical reasons. The day usually presents more acceptable weather for a public party!

For the first time, the Houston Grampian Association held High Tea in honor of Her Majesty's birthday thus launching it as the first annual occurrence, as it will surely be held again each year. It was a most joyous celebration and was well attended both by members of HGA and by guests from other organizations. Held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Houston, it was properly and beautifully organized by Rebecca Roberts and she put it on the top shelf for all who attended.

Our guests were treated to spectacular entertainment by the renowned Alistair Donkin, with accompaniment by Dr. William Glick of Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Houston. He talked to us about his role in Gilbert & Sullivan productions and sang arias from several of them and provided a delightful time for those present. He moved through the audience and spoke and sang directly to our guests which made for a very personable and delightful presentation.

Having practiced as a solicitor for Shropshire County Council, he also dabbled in local politics, being at one time Mayor of Market Drayton. He made a complete career change to pursue his love of the theatre, joining the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company in 1979. With them he played all the patter roles, often at short notice. Since the closure, in 1982, of the D’Oyly Carte, Alistair has developed a dual career as both performer and director. As a performer he has appeared with the London Savoyards and the Magic of Gilbert & Sullivan. He has sung with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the Bournemouth Sinfonietta, the BBC Concert Orchestra (broadcast on BBC Radio 2) and the English Philharmonic Orchestra, appearing at all the major concert venues, including the Barbican Hall, the Royal Festival Hall, the Royal Albert Hall and the new Birmingham Symphony Hall.

Alistair came to us at the request of our Chairman, Mary Metz, long an active member of Gilbert & Sullivan and noted that when Mary asks you to do something, you do it. To the left, Alistair is shown as he serenaded Mary during his presention. As guests began arriving, they were treated to a lovely room of celebration which included scrumptious treats including finger sandwiches, scones, sweets and, of course a variety of teas to enjoy.

Many of our lady guests wore hats, so typical of the attire at High Tea in England, and they all looked radiant and gave our party a real feel of the celebration of Her Majesty's birthday.

Early to arrive were the "Three Amigos", Rebecca Roberts, Moira Holden and Marianne Duffin who set about to put the decorations for the room in place and to give our venue the true feeling of being in Britain at High Tea and truly honoring Her Majesty at this time of annual celebration. They are shown on the left with smiles that set the mood for the day. Marti McWhirter and Marianne are shown to the right assembling the flag displays that were placed on each table.

Shown below, before they were heartily attacked by our guests, are the tables with door prizes and all of the goodies that awaited us to enjoy following the entertainment. In the center is a typical table with the display of flags to give each one just the right touch.

And our Chairman, Mary Metz, continues to be the gift that keeps on giving and surprised us following the entertainment, by showing us the letter she had written to Her Majesty on behalf of Houston/Grampian, to honor her on the occasion of her birthday, and then showing us the letter she received back from David Ryan, Director of the Queen's Private Secretary's office, acknowledging our thoughtfulness and returning our good wishes. The letters are shown below and were truly a pleasant surprise to all of us.

HOUSTON GRAMPIAN ASSOCIATION June 9, 2008   Her Majesty The Queen Buckingham Palace London SW1A 1AA United Kingdom May it please your Majesty, The Houston Grampian Association present compliments to Your Majesty and send Loyal Greetings on the occasion of Your Birthday in honour of which the Association is holding an Official Tea on Saturday the Twenty First of June 2008. The Houston Grampian Association fosters links between Aberdeen Scotland and the City of Houston, Texas and is founded on the mutual cultural, educational and social interests of the two cities. We earnestly wish Your Majesty may continue to enjoy good health and happiness in the years to come. Sincerely, Mary Murray Metz, MBE Houston, Texas 77077 U.S.A. Website ~ http://houstongrampian.com   13th June, 2008   Dear Ms. Metz,      I have been asked to thank you and the Members of the Houston Grampian Association for your kind letter containing loyal greetings to The Queen, sent on the occasion of your Official Tea to celebrate Her Majesty's Birthday which is being held on 21st June.      Her Majesty much appreciates your thoughtfulness in writing as you did and, in return, sends her warm, good wishes to all concerned for a most memorable and enjoyable day.   Yours sincerely, David Ryan Director, Private Secretary's Office   Ms. Mary Murray Metz, MBE

Following this surprise of the day, our attendees socialized and laughed and just had fun in honor of Her Majesty and in the moment of being together in such regal fashion. Pictured below are some of those present, including the Kevin Howards, some elegant ladies in their hats and some of our table guests. These include, among others, Sylvia Hoopes and her granddaughter Emily, to whom Alistair directed many of his remarks and his most enjoyable arias.

   

Without a doubt, this delightful event shall become an annual affair and so this has been designated to be the first annual HGA Tea for Her Majesty's Birthday. We welcome those who came and look forward to even more joining us in the years to come.