Afternoon Tea With Loyd Grossman at HEDFAS 40th Anniversary Celebration
On Tuesday, 20 June HEDFAS (Henley Decorative and Fine Arts Society) marked their 40th anniversary at Phyllis Court Club with a celebratory afternoon tea hosted by Loyd Grossman. Over 150 members of the society enjoyed tea and scones in the Finlay Suite as they were entertained by Dr Grossman in conversation with Alvi Shaw, a HEDFAS committee member.
HEDFAS is the second largest regional society in the UK, with over 650 members. A branch of the National Association of Decorative & Fine Arts Societies (NADFAS), which has over 98,000 members nationwide, HEDFAS was founded in 1976 by Francoise White and held its first lecture in January 1977. The group continues to grow, holding 10 lectures per year in the grand location of Phyllis Court’s Ballroom.
Loyd Grossman, President of NADFAS (National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts), was highly complimentary of the society, stressing its value. “It’s a huge force for good in encouraging people to develop an interest in the arts,” he expressed. “[The members] are fuelled by real love and enthusiasm.” The guests at the event were enthralled by tales of Dr Grossman’s remarkable life, from his work as a TV personality and acclaimed gastronome, to his passion for history, heritage and the arts.
Anne Balgarnie, Chairman of HEDFAS, said, “The 40th Anniversary Tea was a wonderful occasion for our members who enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea in a perfectly air-conditioned room. It was an absolute delight to listen to Loyd Grossman, President of NADFAS, and hear all about his life from studying at UCL to performing at Glastonbury!”
With scrumptious food and splendid company, the 40th Anniversary Tea was a perfect way to honour the success of HEDFAS.
