On January 20, 23 ladies gathered at Desiree Gillingham’s house to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birthday, which was December 16, 1775. Desiree gave a well-researched presentation on the author’s work, her family life and Regency Era society. As well, we each got an ‘of-the-period’, sealed parchment envelope which opened to reveal a 3-page summary of Jane’s books and a list of all the film adaptions ranked by the expert herself.
We welcome 2 new members who joined specifically to attend this soiree: Joan Harlem and Kay Austen, (yes, Austen!) who came with Suzanne Bohan. I’m sure we’ll see them at other CVWC events.
Jane Consani and Joan Harlem provided tea sandwiches. Desiree baked rosemary shortbread cookies. The Club provided sparkling Asti wine. Rebecca Fuller decorated the center of the table with an urn of lemons. and Conne Sutherland, of course, set the table with all the goodies, strawberries and chocolates she brought and lots of flowers. And she stayed to clean up! Thank you, ladies, for a scrumptious spread! Judy Tschirgi took the photos for this article.