Journeying after Alice and stopping by for a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, children from Julia’s House, the Dorset and Wiltshire children’s hospice charity, have celebrated Afternoon Tea Week at Compton Acres.
Children from Julia’s House, alongside their families and carers, have been given a chance to follow in the footsteps of Alice, the White Rabbit and the Mad Hatter at Compton Acres in Poole. Visiting one of the UK’s finest privately-owned historic gardens, the children took part in the Compton Acres’ Alice in Wonderland Children’s Garden Challenge. Taking place during Afternoon Tea Week and celebrating the Great British tradition, they were then treated to their very own Mad Hatters Tea Party at the Compton Acres Café & Tearooms.
Escaping into the magical world of Lewis Carol’s famous fantasy novel, the children from Julia’s House were challenged to help Alice find the Cheshire Cat. This led them through 10 acres of gardens, which range from the Italian Garden to the Wooded Valley, Rock & Water Garden, Heather Garden and Japanese Garden. Giving them an opportunity to spend quality time with their loved ones, Compton Acres also provided Afternoon Tea for the group in their charmingly bright and comfortable Café & Tearooms.
Situated near Poole, Julia’s House is an award-winning children’s hospice charity dedicated to bringing care and support to families with life-limited children across Dorset and Wiltshire. A welcomed gesture, the garden adventure idea came about as a means for Compton Acres to connect with the national Afternoon Tea Week campaign and provide fun memories to those using the services of one of their favourite local charities.
Kaye Merna, Owner of Compton Acres said:
“This year we have embraced the world of Alice in Wonderland, decorating our café, putting on a special garden challenge and creating a themed flower display featuring famous characters from the tale. We wanted children from Julia’s House to experience this and enjoy a ‘mini adventure’. Creating fond memories, which can be cherished forever, we were also pleased to put on a spot of Afternoon Tea in our Café.’’
Sarah Agnew, Community Fundraiser at Julia’s House, said:
“We had an amazing day exploring Compton Acres and taking part in their Alice in Wonderland inspired activities! We would like to thank all the staff for the warm welcome. Our team, the families and children really appreciated the fun time we shared together.’’
For more information about Julia’s House, visit www.juliashouse.org
To learn more about Compton Acres, visit www.comptonacres.co.uk.
