Emma Pritchard

In their nineteenth year organising the event, Cheryl Barnes and Eleanor Powell were overjoyed to welcome close to 200 guests at the Whiddon Jacaranda Afternoon Tea.

Held at the Clarence River Jockey Club (CRJC) on October 31, the annual gathering is a treasured tradition during the Grafton Jacaranda Festival.

This year, guests including members of past Jacaranda Royal Parties and the 2022 Jacaranda Royal Party, spoke cheerfully with one another and shared their favourite memories of the festival as they sipped hot beverages and enjoyed an assortment of delicious cakes, slices, sandwiches, and fruit platters.

Among the attendees was 1955 Jacaranda Queen Stella Wilson, nee Cooper, who was also the 2015 Grafton Jacaranda Festival Guest of Honour.

A regular attendee at the afternoon tea, Mrs Wilson said she is always pleased to return to Grafton during the jacaranda festival.

As they thanked the guests for attending the event, Mrs Barnes and Mrs Powell said they are looking forward to organising the afternoon tea again in 2023.