KASI High Tea – An Afternoon Delight

The sun was shining, the birds were singing and you could not have wished for better weather for the Kilcoy Art Society Inc (KASI)’s High Tea event which was held from 12.30pm last Saturday 9 July. (Click here for more photos.)

Around 70 people congregated on the grassed area overlooking the Fred Greensill Lake, Yowie Park, Kilcoy to enjoy an afternoon of delicious food, wine and entertainment. Julie Henley, KASI’s President, opened the event, welcoming everyone and providing background to the High Tea as the first of a series of fundraising events to help KASI achieve their dream of building a deck on the eastern side of the Kilcoy Courthouse Art Gallery, right where patrons were seated.

Julie explained that KASI had already outlayed several thousand dollars in draftsmen, surveyor, building registration and development application lodgement fees getting their plans ready for when grant funds became available to start building, and was pleased to announce that KASI had just received a Community Assistance Grant (CAG) for over $1100 from Somerset Regional Council, being reimbursement of the Development Application fee.

Julie strongly acknowledged the tenacity of Vice President, Leonie Shirley, in making the High Tea event happen and warmly thanked their many members, husbands and Friends of the Gallery who volunteered their time and resources to make the event a success! A huge thanks to Kevin Purcell who provided the tables, chairs, glassware etc and to Backyard Bling for the loan of plants to beautify the setting.

Entertainment for the afternoon was provided by the Amber Goldsmith, from Nanango – a very talented young lady who is known on the Tamworth scene for her music and songwriting and has previously provided support to musicians such as Redgum and Troy Cassar Daley. A fashion parade showing off 18 outfits from 57 On Cressbrook, Gatton store was also provided for guests enjoyment. Huge thanks to Tiffany Brieschke and her models, Leonie Shirley, Councillor Cheryl Gaedtke, Pat Berich, Di Taylor and Ruth Hughes for a wonderful parade of garments.

Many patrons dressed up for the occasion, hoping to take out a prize for the best hat! KASI artist Di Taylor was given the task of selecting the winners, with Jenny Henry (wearing a brilliant canary yellow fascinator) taking out first prize, and Nelly Herbert (wearing a multi coloured feathered fascinator) was runner up.

There were also 10 wonderful raffle prizes including Trent Nathan scarves, home décor, Waterford jewellery, beauty products, alcohol, Sunshine Coast accommodation, and many more items kindly donated to KASI from various business houses (including Direct Chemist Outlet, Kilcoy).

The afternoon closed with the sun’s reflection on Fred Greensill Lake and birdlife carrying on with their lives, without bother from departing patrons or KASI volunteers starting the cleanup process.

What a beautiful location for a deck!