PARTY AT RICCARTON HOUSE

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21727, 9 March 1936, Page 2

PARTY AT RICCARTON HOUSE

ANNIVERSARY OF ST. ANDREW'S CHURCH It was appropriate that the garden party held to celebrate the eightieth anniversary of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Oxford terrace, should have been held in the grounds of Biccarton House, for always since the earliest days of the church in Christchurch, a member of the Deans family has been associated with it. The party held on Saturday afternoon was all the more enjoyable because of its informality. Friends met and chatted beneath the shade of the trees; or strolled round the gardens, beside the stream, or explored the wealth of native bush at the back of the lawn. The Rev. J. Lawson Robinson welcomed the visitors, and thanked Mrs John Deans for her kindness in lending the picturesque grounds for the occasion. He also spoke of the association of the Deans family with the church, and thanked those who had arranged the entertainment, particularly Mr Herbert Gresham. Mrs Deans , greeted many old friends during the afternoon. She was wearing a becoming frock of black satin-backed crepe made with finely pleated lapels and relieved with a vestee of the fine white lace to match the touches of white showing in the feather trimming of her black straw hat. Music was supplied during the afternoon by the City of Christchurch Highland Pipe Band, and members of the St. Andrew’s Girl Guide Company, under the supervision of their captain. Miss R. A. Alston, entertained the guests with folk dancing. Afternoon tea was served by Miss A. Mcllwraith, Meadames J. Lawson Robinson, Murray Jackson, H. Gresham, E. Wheeler, W. T. Todd, R. M. Ryburn, J. Barnett. J. Fitzgerald, Misses C. Rogers, Taylor, Keir, C. Menzies, Hawker, Alston, and the girl guides.